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HD 624

An Act ensuring equitable access to cannabis related expungement

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

Massachusetts bill allowing people to expunge cannabis-related convictions from before legalization, removing employment and housing barriers for affected individuals.

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Bill Summary · HD 624

Legislative bill overview

HD 624 creates a process for individuals with prior cannabis-related convictions to petition for expungement or dismissal of those charges in Massachusetts. The bill aims to address the inequitable enforcement of cannabis laws that occurred before recreational marijuana legalization in 2016. It establishes procedures for courts to review eligible cases and grant relief to people whose convictions are now for conduct that would be legal.

Why is this important

Cannabis convictions have created significant barriers to employment, housing, education, and professional licensing for thousands of Massachusetts residents, with enforcement historically falling disproportionately on communities of color. Expungement removes these barriers and addresses a documented racial justice issue. This aligns Massachusetts with other states that have similarly cleared cannabis-related records following legalization.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope definition: Disagreement over which cannabis-related offenses qualify (simple possession vs. trafficking or distribution charges) and whether all pre-2016 convictions should be eligible
  • Implementation burden: Courts and prosecutors may resist the administrative workload of reviewing and processing potentially thousands of expungement petitions
  • Public safety concerns: Some law enforcement or prosecutors may argue that certain cannabis-related convictions (especially for larger quantities or involving minors) should remain on records despite legalization

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

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