Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey announced on Wednesday a sweeping legislative proposal that would pardon individuals with past marijuana possession convictions. If passed, the bill would impact hundreds of thousands of people with convictions on their records.
This step seeks to eliminate the longstanding barriers these convictions have imposed on many people. Marijuana convictions affect people’s ability to secure housig, employment, and education.
Healey made the announcement during a press conference at the State House where she discussed the unfairness of punishing people for behavior that is no longer illegal.
State officials said the proposal, unveiled Wednesday at a State House news conference, would apply to all adult state-level misdemeanor possession convictions handed down before Wednesday, erasing criminal records that officials and advocates say have for years blocked…
