CA Approves of Bill That Can Reduce Thousands of Marijuana Convictions

California lawmakers approved a bill that would require prosecutors to erase or reduce the convictions of tens of thousands marijuana-related crimes. This bill addresses the need for a mechanism by which prosecutors can assess the eligibility of those looking to get crimes erased or felonies reduced to misdemeanors. At the moment, the Department of Justice estimates that 220,000 cases are eligible for erasure or reduction. The DOJ has until July 1, 2019, to compile a comprehensive list of cases they want to be forwarded to the proper district attorneys. The prosecutors then have a calendar year to challenge any of the cases.

Republicans and Democrats in California alike see the benefits of this bill. Democratic state Sen. Scott Wiener of San Francisco said the bill "creates a simpler pathway for Californians to turn the page." Republican State Sen. Joel Anderson who represents a rural area east of San Diego saw the benefits for his constituents stating, "This bill will take those people off the prohibited list, save us time and money."

Source: twitter.com