Past cannabis crimes expungements or resentencing eligibility clarification
This bill clarifies eligibility for clearing criminal records or reducing sentences for past marijuana-related offenses in Minnesota. It directly affects individuals convicted of specific marijuana sales or possession crimes (listed in the bill's statute references) who meet four key conditions: the offense didn't involve weapons or harm, the act would now be a lesser offense or legal, and there are no pending appeals. The bill specifically defines "lesser offense" as a nonfelony for those originally charged with a felony. It does not create new eligibility but makes existing rules clearer for people seeking record relief under state law.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 16, 2025
Last action Mar 20, 2025
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison
What changed between versions
Introduction
→
1st Engrossment
·
4 edits
·
Mar 17, 2025
MODERATE
The bill was updated from its introduction to its first engrossment version, incorporating significant amendments to expand eligibility for expungement and resentencing related to cannabis offenses. The changes clarify that expungements can now apply to other charges filed alongside the underlying crime if those charges were dismissed or eligible for expungement. Additionally, the Cannabis Expungement Board's review process was expanded to include a broader range of factors and explicitly excludes certain government records from consideration.
Scope change
The bill's scope was expanded to include 'any other offenses charged along with the underlying crime' in addition to the original cannabis-related offenses, provided those additional charges were dismissed or eligible for expungement.
ELIGIBILITY
Expanded eligibility to include other offenses charged alongside the underlying cannabis crime if those charges were dismissed or eligible for expungement.
REQUIREMENT
Updated the Cannabis Expungement Board's review criteria to include a broader list of factors and explicitly exclude records from specific state departments (Health, Children, Youth, Families, and Human Services) from consideration.
Revised the notice requirements for the judicial branch to include information about whether expungements should apply to additional charges and specific resentencing details.
Amended court orders to ensure sealing of records for both the underlying cannabis offense and any other eligible charges identified by the Board.
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
5
Key actions
1
Committee
2
Mar 17, 2025
Upper · Passed
Comm report: To pass as amended
upper
Jan 16, 2025
Committee
Referred to Judiciary and Public Safety
upper
Jan 16, 2025
Introduced
Introduction and first reading
upper
1 primary · 3 co-sponsors
Sponsors
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