Massachusetts officials have unanimously approved the governor’s proposal to pardon thousands of people with misdemeanor marijuana convictions of their records. The relief is effective immediately.
The Governor’s Council voted 7-0 on Wednesday to give consent to Gov. Maura Healey’s (D) clemency plan that she announced last month. The record sealing process will be automated by the state for most eligible people.
Following the vote, the governor said in a press release that “Massachusetts made history today.”
“I’m grateful to the Governor’s Council for their due diligence in approving my request to pardon all state misdemeanor marijuana possession convictions,” she said. “Thousands of Massachusetts residents will now see their records cleared of this charge, which will help lower the barriers they face when seeking housing, education or a job.”
Councilmember Marilyn Devaney said ahead of the vote that the Council is “sending a message that this administration believes in second chances, and I wish them all good luck who will benefit from this in their endeavors.”
Councilmember Eileen Duff said the move is “important stuff for the body,” adding that members want to “make sure we’re always considering ways to make our criminal justice system more fair and more equitable.”
“Hopefully,
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