Bill > SF204

This bill clarifies and expands eligibility for expungement and resentencing of past cannabis-related offenses in Minnesota. The legislation modifies existing law to allow people convicted of first through fifth-degree controlled substance crimes involving marijuana to potentially have their records expunged or sentences reduced, provided certain conditions are met. Specifically, the offense must not have involved violence, dangerous weapons, or intentional harm, and the act would now be considered a lesser offense or no longer criminal after August 1, 2023. The Cannabis Expungement Board will review each case, presuming expungement is in the public interest unless there is clear evidence that it would create a public safety risk. The board will consider factors such as the nature of the original crime, potential risk to society, and circumstances surrounding the offense. The bill also allows for potential expungement of related charges and provides a process for notifying affected individuals about their eligibility. Additionally, if deemed appropriate, the board can recommend restoring an individual's right to possess firearms and recommend vacating and dismissing charges. The changes are designed to provide a more comprehensive and nuanced approach to addressing past cannabis-related criminal records, recognizing shifts in marijuana laws and aiming to reduce long-term consequences of prior convictions.

Justice

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF0204&ssn=0&y=2025