D.C. Committee Votes Unanimously on Bill to Allow Sealing of Cannabis Convictions
The Washington D.C. Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety has
voted unanimously to approve Bill 20-467, a proposal to allow individuals to file a motion to seal records relating to offenses that have since been decriminalized or legalized.
For example; Washington D.C. recently decriminalized the possession of up to an ounce of cannabis; under Bill 20-467, those who were convicted of cannabis possession of up to an ounce prior to this law change would be allowed to have their records sealed, meaning employers, financial aid, etc. wouldn’t be able to view the charge when conducting a criminal background check.
This November, D.C. voters will be voting on Initiative 71, which would legalize the possession of up to two ounces of cannabis, and the private cultivation of up to six plants. If Bill 20-467 and Initiative 71 are both approved, it would allow those convicting of possessing up to two ounces of cannabis to have it sealed from their record.
The proposal is expected to soon be up for a full council vote.
– TheJointBlog