Bill > S1161

This bill addresses marijuana possession conviction expungement by modifying existing law to expand and clarify the process for individuals with prior marijuana-related offenses. Specifically, the bill requires informing people who are eligible to have their criminal records expunged as a result of changes in marijuana laws. It provides immediate eligibility for record expungement for individuals with criminal court records related to unlawful possession of marijuana under section 94C of the General Laws, focusing specifically on marijuana offenses classified under Class D. The bill repeals a previous section (Section 59 of chapter 55 of the acts of 2020) and allows for automatic expungement of records related to marijuana possession, regardless of when the offense occurred. This legislation is part of a broader effort to address the consequences of historical marijuana criminalization, providing a mechanism for individuals to clear past marijuana-related offenses from their criminal records, which can help reduce barriers to employment, housing, and other opportunities.

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https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1161