Those with marijuana convictions in Michigan may soon be able to clear their criminal records thanks to the State Senate's passing of two bills Wednesday.
What To Know: The Michigan Senate has approved new expungement measures that would allow hundreds of thousands of people to clear their criminal records in an effort to ease entry into the workforce, according to the Associated Press.
If signed into law, Michigan intends to use an automated system for expungements of certain felonies after 10 years and misdemeanors after seven years.
While the measures do not include DWI offenses, they are expected to help roughly 235,000 people in Michigan who have misdemeanor records stemming from marijuana use or possession.
Why It's Important: Marijuana was legalized for recreational use in the Wolverine State back in November 2018.
The news coincides with the third iteration of National Expungement Week, an initiative focused on offering expungement and other forms of legal relief to some 77 million Americans with criminal records.
Since its inception in 2018, the program has become known of assisting those with records through the process of clearing their convictions and offering wraparound services addressing reparative justice, voting rights, and housing, and food insecurity.
What's Next: The bill goes back to the House for final approval and then to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
"Everyone deserves a second chance because we've all made mistakes in life," Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist said in a statement. "With the passage of Clean Slate legislation in the Senate, we are one step closer to automatically clearing the criminal records of tens of thousands of Michiganders. This creates opportunities for people to secure meaningful work, provide for their families, find a home, and build their future. Let’s get this done."
Related Links:
National Expungement Week Is Underway: Here's What You Need To Know
Michigan Cannabis Companies Back Charities To Free Marijuana Prisoners
© 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
Trade confidently with insights and alerts from analyst ratings, free reports and breaking news that affects the stocks you care about.
The Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference is coming to Florida
The Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference is returning to Florida, in a new venue in Hollywood, on April 16 and 17, 2024. The two-day event at The Diplomat Beach Resort will be a chance for entrepreneurs, both large and small, to network, learn and grow. Renowned for its trendsetting abilities and influence on the future of cannabis, mark your calendars – this conference is the go-to event of the year for the cannabis world.
Get your tickets now on bzcannabis.com – Prices will increase very soon!