Photo: Madison Rogers/WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — The Governor's Council passed Governor Maura Healey's proposal to pardon misdemeanor marijuana possession convictions in Massachusetts Wednesday.
Lawmakers said the act would simultaneously clear convictions from 69,000 records around the state.
ACLU of Massachusetts Executive Director Carol Rose called the pardon "life-changing" in a statement.
"People in every community across the state – especially Black and Brown people, who were disproportionately charged with marijuana-related crimes over the years – will no longer be punished for something that is now legal in our state," Rose said. "Let’s be clear: Tens of thousands of people in Massachusetts will now get a second chance, and will face fewer barriers to housing, jobs, education, student loans, and stability.”
Read More: Healey Announces Plan To Pardon Those Convicted Of Cannabis Possession
Healey first requested the pardon in March.
Council members called their deliberation "due diligence," even though none of them voiced opposition against the pardon.
State agencies will update most records on their own, Healey said. Anyone who wants to expedite the process can submit a request online.
WBZ NewsRadio's Madison Rogers (@madisonwbz) reports.
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