(TRENTON) – Assembly Judiciary Committee Chairwoman Annette Quijano (D-Union) announced Thursday the legislative panel will hold a hearing on proposed legislation providing for expedited expungement of marijuana offenses in the event of decriminalization or legalization of marijuana.
The bill (A-3620) — for discussion only — would also establish the “Expungement Coordinator Program” for certain marijuana convictions. The bill is sponsored by Assembly Democrats Annette Quijano, Arthur Barclay and Shavonda Sumter.
“As the conversation regarding marijuana progresses, it is important that we discuss the social justice impacts, especially, the expungement of criminal records for marijuana crimes that may no longer be illegal,” said Quijano. “The consequences of having a criminal record for marijuana possession often effects employment, education, and housing opportunities. Minority communities have also disproportionately felt the impact of marijuana prohibition.
“This is something we can’t ignore as we move forward. It’s time that we have an open and frank conversation on the potential of effects of marijuana legalization or decriminalization on social justice issues.”
The Assembly Judiciary Committee will meet on Monday, June 4, 2018 at 10:00 am in Committee Room 16, 4th Floor, State House Annex, Trenton, New Jersey.