We post news and comment on federal criminal justice issues, focused primarily on trial and post-conviction matters, legislative initiatives, and sentencing issues.

BILL TO CLEAN SLATES FOR POT OFFENSES INTRODUCED

Senators Robert Casey (D-PA) and Rand Paul (R-KY) have introduced bipartisan legislation intended to give millions of Americans a “clean slate” by sealing the criminal records of low-level and non-violent offenders who have successfully completed their sentences.

The Clean Slate Act, S.5266, would automatically seal the federal records of individuals convicted of simple drug possession and other low-level, nonviolent crimes involving marijuana, intended “to remove major barriers many Americans face in finding employment, securing housing, and accessing education,” Casey said in a press release. “This legislation would help more than 70 million Americans fully participate in society and provide them with a second chance to contribute to their communities and support their families.”

The measure is a companion bill to a House version filed 18 months aho by Reps Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) and Nancy Mace (R-SC). That bill, H.R. 2930, has not yet made it to the House floor. The legislation has been introduced over the last several sessions, and a previous version advanced through the House Judiciary Committee in 2022 but was never voted on by the full House.

With only 20 more work days for the House and 24 days for the Senate scheduled before the end of the year, passage is unlikely.

Press Release, Casey, Paul Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Seal Records of Low-Level, Nonviolent Offenses (September 26, 2024)

S 5266, A bill to require automatic sealing of certain criminal records, and for other purposes  (September 25, 2024)

H.R. 2930, Clean Slate Act

Marijuana Moment, Federal Marijuana And Drug Convictions Would Be Automatically Sealed Under New Bipartisan Senate Bill (September 27, 2024)

– Thomas L. Root