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Bill

H 2019

An Act ensuring equitable access to cannabis related expungement

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Chynah Tyler

Massachusetts bill establishing petition process for individuals to expunge cannabis-related convictions, addressing historical enforcement disparities and reducing employment/housing barriers.

Hearing scheduled for 09/09/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2
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Bill Summary · H 2019

Legislative bill overview

H 2019 would establish a process for individuals to petition for expungement of cannabis-related convictions in Massachusetts. The bill aims to address disparities in how cannabis convictions affect different communities, particularly those historically impacted by cannabis prohibition enforcement. It would allow eligible individuals to have certain cannabis offenses removed from their criminal records.

Why is this important

Cannabis convictions create lasting collateral consequences for employment, housing, professional licensing, and educational opportunities, even in states where cannabis is now legal. This bill recognizes that cannabis enforcement was historically applied unevenly across racial and socioeconomic lines, and expungement can help remedy some harms from those disparities. The measure could affect thousands of Massachusetts residents with cannabis records.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of eligible offenses: Questions about which cannabis convictions qualify (possession only vs. distribution, quantity thresholds, dates of conviction) and whether all prior offenses should be automatically expunged or require petitioning
  • Implementation burden: Concerns about costs to courts and prosecution offices for processing expungements and potential resource allocation away from other priorities
  • Public safety considerations: Arguments that some may oppose expungement of distribution or trafficking-related cannabis convictions on grounds that records serve legitimate law enforcement interests

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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