Bill > HB26

This bill establishes a process for individuals convicted of certain felony marijuana-related offenses before July 1, 2021, to have their sentences reviewed and potentially modified if they are still incarcerated or under supervision on July 1, 2026. The bill, which will expire on July 1, 2029, mandates that courts schedule hearings by early 2027 for eligible individuals to consider sentence reductions, including to time served, or other modifications, unless the Commonwealth can demonstrate that doing so would be against the public interest. This process applies to those convicted of offenses related to possession, manufacture, sale, distribution, transportation, or delivery of marijuana, and also includes provisions for legal assistance for those who are indigent. The bill also requires state correctional and juvenile justice departments to identify eligible individuals and notify them of their potential eligibility for a sentence modification hearing.