This weekend, Alaska took steps to end discrimination against people charged with low-level marijuana possession. Alaska legalized marijuana back in November of 2014, but legislators had yet to address the issue of prior marijuana charges. While the federal government threatens to revamp the War on Drugs, the Alaska House passes measure to erase prior marijuana convictions. This legislation will translate more employment opportunities for people, especially people of color, convicted for low-level cannabis possession.
A Closer Look at House Bill 316
On April 15, the Alaska House passes measure to erase prior marijuana convictions by a vote of 30 to 10. According to an official memo released by the Alaska House Majority Coalition, House Bill 316 will “protect Alaskans’ ability to go to work despite past convictions for marijuana possession.”
This means that the state won’t give the public access to arrest records for marijuana possession. Specifically, the online database known as the Alaska Courtview System will clear VIA controlled substance misdemeanors. This legislation applies to charges preceding February 24, 2015, the first day of legalization.
Until now, recreational marijuana legislation in Alaska failed to address prior marijuana charges. “This piece of the law was overlooked by the drafters of the initiative,” Rep. Drummond explained to KTUU in Anchorage. “And it’s been included in voter initiatives and laws that have passed in other states.”
Now that the House has voted in favor of Bill 316, the Alaskan Senate will consider it.
Representative Harriet Drummond Introduced The Bill
Rep. Harried Drummond, a Democrat from Anchorage, introduced this legislation to the House. The Democratic majority’s official press release quotes Rep. Drummond’s address the House Judiciary Committee last week. She explains:
“This bill is not a