Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Massachusetts House Bill H2049

Introduced
2/27/25  

Caption

Relative to expungement of certain past marijuana convictions

Impact

If enacted, this bill would streamline the process for individuals seeking to have their records cleared concerning specific marijuana offenses. By mandating that courts automatically expunge such records, the bill aims to mitigate the long-lasting impacts of these convictions, which can affect everything from employment opportunities to housing. It provides a pathway for individuals who believe their records were incorrectly handled to petition for correction, thereby improving access to justice for affected individuals.

Summary

House Bill 2049, sponsored by Representative Bud L. Williams, seeks to amend Chapter 276 of the Massachusetts General Laws to facilitate the expungement of certain marijuana-related convictions. The bill specifically targets records related to the possession or cultivation of marijuana, based on amounts that have been decriminalized by prior legislation in 2008, 2016, and 2017. Furthermore, it addresses convictions for intent to distribute and distribution of marijuana within the same regulatory framework as previous acts that decriminalized these activities.

Conclusion

The introduction of HB 2049 signals a continued effort in Massachusetts to reconcile past punitive measures regarding marijuana use and possession as societal views evolve. Its passage could mark a significant shift in the state's approach to criminal justice, especially pertaining to drug-related offenses.

Contention

There may be contentious points for discussion among legislators regarding the implications of this bill, particularly in how it aligns with ongoing reforms in the criminal justice system. Some may argue that expedited expungement processes could create administrative challenges within the court system or overlook more serious offenses related to drug distribution. Others might contend that this is a necessary step toward rectifying the disproportionate impacts that previous marijuana laws have had on communities, especially marginalized groups.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MA H1819

Relative to expungement of certain past marijuana convictions

MA S1023

Relative to the expungement of convictions for marijuana possession

MA H1790

Ensuring equitable access to cannabis related expungement

MA S988

Relative to the expungement of non-convictions

MA H1451

Relative to expungement of juvenile and young adult records

MA H1787

Automatically sealing cannabis records and promoting uniform digital record keeping

MA S936

Relative to expungement of juvenile and young adult records

MA H1444

To update expungement

MA H1701

Supporting survivors of trafficking and abuse and encouraging increased access to opportunities through expungement and/or sealing of records

MA S1002

Supporting survivors of trafficking and abuse and encouraging increased access to opportunities through expungement and/or sealing of records

Similar Bills

HI SB704

Relating To Marijuana.

AZ HB2082

Marijuana; sampling; advertising; sale

AZ HB2770

Marijuana; interstate agreements; delivery

CT HB05458

An Act Concerning The Regulation Of The Retail Sale Of Marijuana.

AZ SB1410

Marijuana; licensing; delivery

VA HB2428

Marijuana; advertising restrictions, penalties.

VA SB1233

Marijuana; advertising restrictions, penalties.

HI HB7

Relating To Marijuana.