Last month, Alaskan Representatives passed a bill that’s caused quite a stir on both sides on the spectrum. Advocates and Opposers are torn on handling past Cannabis convictions for states that have now become legal.
The Alaskan House approved Bill 316 restricting court systems from publicly sharing any prior convictions for low-level marijuana charges.
The bill, proposed by Democratic Rep. Harriet Drummond , was created with the idea that people should not be punished for something that is now legal in their state. As well, many house voters cited lowering discrimination amongst people of color which are a heavy percentage of those affected by the past charges.
The bill will restrict access to the Alaska Court System where these convictions can be seen for any VIA controlled substances, only allowing for charges after the legalization date on February 24, 2015.
The bill was passed 30 to 10 and will now move onto the House vote for statewide approval. Some did argue its passing, pointing out that erasing past convictions from when cannabis was illegal will cause problems for lawmakers down the line. The few who voted against it, argue that it creates a grey area for changes in laws in the future.
“It creates a horrible precedent by retrofitting criminal sanctions for past conduct every time a new law is changed or passed.”
-Carolyn Tyler, Attorney General Office Spokesman
Hammond pressed that this is not a “get out of jail free card”. The bill hopes to offer more jobs to those who made mistakes in the past and are being punished now for something that is legal.
States like California, Colorado, Maryland, and Oregon have passed similar bills clearing people of lesser marijuana convictions after the sale of legal marijuana was approved. Though many still have a ways to go before all the bumps are smoothed out, it is a step in the right direction.
Written: Joycelin A.
Source: https://www.sfchronicle.com/news/crime/article/Alaska-House-votes-to-limit-access-to-marijuana-12838196.php
