Bipartisan Criminal Justice Reform Bill to Expunge Federal Marijuana Misdemeanors Introduced by Congressmen Troy Carter of Louisiana, and Rodney Davis of Illinois 

National / Washington D.C. / Louisiana / Illinois – Democratic Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. of Louisiana, and Republican Congressman Rodney Davis of Illinois introduced bipartisan legislation to create an expungement mechanism for low-level federal marijuana law violations and provide an expedited, orderly process that clears the deck of non-felony marijuana offenses lingering in the federal system. The Marijuana Misdemeanor Expungement Act will provide justice to countless Americans whose lives have been disrupted and deprived as a result of a misdemeanor marijuana charge, an activity that is now legal in 38 states for either recreational or medical purposes.

“I’m proud to introduce The Marijuana Misdemeanor Expungement Act, bipartisan legislation that will restore justice to millions of Americans who have suffered inordinate collateral consequences associated with marijuana-related misdemeanors,” said Congressman Troy Carter. “These misdemeanors – even without a conviction – can result in restrictions to peoples’ ability to access educational aid, housing assistance, occupational licensing and even foster parenting. Delivering justice for our citizens who have been impacted by marijuana-related misdemeanors is a key component of comprehensive cannabis reform.”

“Given the number of states, like Illinois, where marijuana has long been legalized for adult-use, we must ensure that our criminal justice system keeps pace so that individuals with low-level misdemeanor violations related to its use does not preclude them from getting jobs and participating in society,” said Congressman Rodney Davis.

Several cannabis reform supporters and campaigners also expressed support for this proposal, which would establish a federal process to expunge marijuana-related felonies from criminal records.