As more groups try to push for changes in regards to cannabis legislation, some lawmakers have started working on new bills in order to help clear the way. More than a few of the groups have tried this in different ways. For example, some lawmakers have sent letters to President Joe Biden. They did this to convince him to use his executive powers and expunge past nonviolent cannabis convictions. Recently, another group of lawmakers has pushed for a new bill that might make this marijuana conviction expungement process even easier.

Details

Representatives Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts, Cori Bush of Missouri, and Hakeem Jeffries of New York have taken the lead with the Fair and Independent Experts in Clemency Act. More than a dozen additional cosponsors also signed onto the bill. The bill will take clemency review authority away from the Justice Department. Additionally, it will establish a new independent board in order to provide relief for people with certain federal convictions. Nine presidential appointees will make up this independent board. These new members would be responsible for reviewing applications for pardons, communtations, or relief from collateral consequences of convictions.

Member Requirements

The sponsors of the bill are insistent that those appointed to the board should meet some restrictions. The legislation would require that the members have “significant experience with the criminal legal system, clemency, behavioral health, or reentry,” according to the bill. The sponsors also reported that the appointees would need to include at least one person who was formerly incarcerated. Next, they would need to include one who was directly impacted by crime. They would also need to include one with experience at a federal defender organization. Finally, they would need to include a representative of the Justice Department.

Hope

With these lawmakers trying to make the marijuana conviction expungement process easier, those supporting the change hope that by making the path easier, the conviction expungements will be more likely to occur. If this, in turn, occurs, then they hope that the overall legislation will change regarding the legalization of cannabis.

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