Why it matters: The Louisiana House of Representatives has passed a bill to reduce expungement fees for cannabis possession convictions in the state. The bill would cut the fee for those convicted of misdemeanor cannabis possession to a maximum of $300.
What they are saying: Louisiana House Democratic Caucus members celebrated the bill’s passage on social media, noting that it would make it easier for people with cannabis possession convictions to get post-conviction relief and justice. On the other hand, some legislators voiced opposition to House Bill 351, passed through the Labor and Industrial Relations Committee, which seeks to provide unemployment benefits to employees fired for testing positive for THC.
The big picture: The move could bring relief to thousands of Louisianans who have been convicted of cannabis possession, making it easier to get past convictions removed from their record. However, there is also opposition to other cannabis-related legislation in the state.
What to watch: The bill must pass through the Senate before making its way to the governor’s desk. Meanwhile, HB-351, which aims to provide unemployment benefits to employees fired for testing positive for THC, is causing division within Louisiana’s legislature.
Takeaway: The passage of HB-286 could be a vital step in addressing Louisiana’s incarceration crisis concerning nonviolent drug offenses. Meanwhile, the debate over HB-351 highlights how legalizing cannabis has several legal and political ramifications that have yet to be fully explored.
