Pennsylvania’s current Clean Slate Law took effect in 2019, and allows for some criminal histories to be hidden from public view. Now lawmakers are considering an expansion to that existing law.

The new bipartisan House Bill 1826 would extend this current law to cover non-violent drug offenses. Those with low-level drug felonies could have their records sealed if they have lived ten years with no subsequent crimes. HB 1826 also aims to shorten that waiting period to seven years. The new law would not cover violent crimes, those that yielded three or more years in prison, or crimes that involve trafficking. It would also allow those who are arrested but not convicted to have those records sealed immediately.

Katie Svoboda-Kindle of Community Legal Services Inc. of Philadelphia summed it up nicely when she noted the following:

“The bill will expand the impact of Clean Slate and make a real difference in the lives of many Pennsylvanians with old drug felonies. Drug felonies are one of the most common convictions in Pennsylvania. They are everywhere, in rural and suburban counties, as well as urban ones.”

This is a step in the right direction for Pennsylvania, which was the first state to ever enact a clean slate law back four years ago. Over 1 million Pennsylvanians have benefited from the initial Clean Slate Law, with more than 40 million court cases sealed. That’s 1 million people who have more opportunities to embrace without the barrier of a criminal record slowing them down. Imagine if the rest of the country was this proactive in helping its citizens obtain a fresh start without the stigma of criminal histories.

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In August, the California State Legislature approved Assembly Bill 2188. AB 2188 would prevent employers from discriminating against their employees who lawfully use marijuana outside of work. If signed into law, the bill would ensure that those who fail drug tests that detect inactive cannabis compounds could not be terminated. Employers could only terminate employees who fail saliva drug tests searching for tetrahydrocannabinol, which indicates that someone is currently under the influence.

There are certain exemptions, like those who work with heavy machinery or in positions that require deferral clearance. State/federal laws that require drug testing as a condition of employment would not be affected by the bill.

The bill basically serves to acknowledge that marijuana is legal for recreational use, and therefore can’t be grounds for termination based on an employer’s personal beliefs on the substance. California would join six other states (Nevada, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Montana, and Rhode Island) that currently have laws protecting recreational use by workers.

If you live in a state where marijuana use remains illegal, and you have a possession charge that is hindering your job search, we understand the struggle. Small charges can deter employers from seriously considering you. Reach out to the experts at Easy Expunctions to see if we can help you scrub the charge or arrest from your record for good and get you the second chance you deserve!

On August 10, 2022, Los Angeles tenets of sued Sam Zelle’s Equity Residential for invasion of privacy and failing to disclose background checks that had been performed on tenets. Background checks for prospective tenants are not out of the ordinary, however, it is expected that these background checks be made visible to those being investigated. This lack of transparency is what has put Equity Residential in hot water.

The plaintiffs applied to rent at Breakwater Apartments in Marina Del Rey and Vantage Hollywood Apartments. In applying, they paid the housing application fee and agreed to a general character background check including gathering private information from third parties. According to the plaintiffs, Equity Residential wanted to keep consumer reports done on them confidential and run the properties free of any restrictions and inquiries from the tenets.

In these investigative reports, plaintiffs say there were errors and misinformation highly damaging to an individual’s reputation. Without disclosure tenets would never have been able to demand that the errors be corrected, leading to long-lasting effects, such as affecting one’s credit score or even employability.

Background checks, while sometimes essential, can paint the wrong picture. If you’re looking to have a fresh start, or are just curious about what your record looks like, visit www.easyexpunctions.com for a free initial background check. Easy Expunctions can help you wipe your slate clean easily and completely online for an affordable cost.

Everyone deserves a right to three things—food, water, and shelter. An individual’s criminal record shouldn’t determine whether or not they deserve stable housing, and landlords shouldn’t hold the power to make decisions based on personal biases and beliefs. New Jersey authorities crack down on landlords who violate the Fair Chance In Housing Act, a law that prohibits landlords from placing unfair regulations based on an initial applicant’s criminal history.

The Criminal Justice System doesn’t have an exceptional reputation for promoting equality within the nation. The disturbing disproportional rates of incarcerated minorities verses whites is a clear example of systemic racism in the United States, and dismissing a potential tenant’s application due to their criminal record is a discriminatory action that violates the Fair Chance in Housing Act and strips a way deserving citizen’s basic right to a safe place to live. Landlords are not judges, and they certainly aren’t above the law. Therefore, they cannot turn away a rehabilitated applicant due to a previous conviction that doesn’t concern them.

The state of New Jersey has one of the highest racial disparities in prison population in the U.S.. With that being said, the act of denying a New Jersey citizen a safe place to live due to their criminal history will continue the cycle of homeless, poverty, and incarceration within the state, a notion that will prevent many deserving citizens from climbing the socioeconomic ladder. Landlords who continue to disobey necessary orders will face consequences, says Attorney General Matthew Platkin.

“[The enforcement actions] send a clear message that we will not tolerate violations of this landmark law, and we will continue to actively enforce the critical protections it provides…Make no mistake: If you violate the FCHA, we will hold you accountable.”

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On August 18, 2022, the California Senate approved Senate Bill 731, and now the bill is on its way to Governor Gavin Newson for deliberation. If approved by the governor and signed into law, this bill would seal records of defendants convicted of non-violent felonies on or after January 1, 2005, as long as the defendant has completed all terms of incarceration, probation, supervision and parole and is not convicted of a new felony for four (4) years.

As of right now, the Department of Justice must review state-wide criminal records on a monthly basis and identify those eligible for automatic conviction record relief. But, only those who committed a misdemeanor offense or were sentenced to probation, were convicted on or after January 1, 1973, and met specific criteria were eligible.

This bill specifies that the sealing of criminal records does not release a defendant from fulfilling outstanding, unexpired terms of criminal protective orders. Those convicted of serious and violent crimes will have to petition the court before records can be sealed and sex offenders are excluded from this legislation entirely.

All sealed criminal records will still be provided to school districts, county offices of education, charter schools, and private schools so that they may conduct background checks for job applicants. Those with sealed records are also required to disclose their criminal history if applying for law enforcement or public office positions.

If you are looking to wipe your slate clean and have a fresh new start, Easy Expunctions can help! Go to www.easyexpunctions.com to get your free initial background check and learn more about how Easy Expunctions can expunge your record. All online, simple, and affordable. Easy Expunctions is here to help.

August 22, 2022, New York City’s Mayor, Eric Adams, announced the launch of Cannabis NYC, a program under the city’s Department of Small Business that will promote equity in the cannabis industry by supporting those most impacted by the drug war. The project seeks to aid potential dispensary operators to complete the licensing process, but will also connect those working to enter the cannabis industry to already flourishing cannabis businesses.

To qualify for this conditional adult-use marijuana retail license, applicants must have experience operating a qualifying business and have been convicted for a cannabis-related offense before the legalization of marijuana in New York or have a direct relative with such a conviction. Specifically, those who have been arrested for marijuana, but convicted for a lesser offense directly. Those “justice-involved” individuals disadvantaged by cannabis criminalization will be the first to have these conditional adult-use retailer licenses. The online application portal will be open for a month and close on September 26, 2022.

Phase one of Cannabis NYC will focus on application assistance for the “justice-involved”, such as answering questions about requirements, hosting educational webinars, and providing assistance with application submission until the portal closes.

Later, as the market matures, Cannabis NYC will provide networking opportunities, look for ways to expand access to capital for marijuana entrepreneurs, and give business support tailored to the cannabis industry in efforts to establish Cannabis NYC as a global brand.

Past criminal records, such as cannabis-related offenses, can stand in the way of personal growth and starting on a new path. Easy Expunctions can make clearing your record simple and affordable! Start the completely online process of expunging your record on www.easyexpunctions.com with a free self-background check!

New York City Council is once again facing a bill that would prevent most landlords from inquiring about a prospective tenant’s criminal history. The bill, also known as the Fair Chance for Housing Act, encourages the concept that housing is a fundamental right. It insists that those who have criminal records should not carry a lifelong punishment after they have completed the terms of their sentence and as they attempt to reenter society as productive individuals.

New York City saw a similar push last year that failed to pass through the City Council due to some opposition from landlords and residents. Though some think criminal background checks will enhance public safety, many activists insist that allowing formerly incarcerated people to find adequate housing would actually increase safety by getting New Yorkers off the streets and out of the vicious cycle of poverty. At a city hall rally, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams stated:

“You cannot ask returning residents to be their best selves, and then not allow them to get a job and a place to live. We’re just saying: Please, give them a fair chance, so we can all be safe.”

The Fair Chance for Housing Act would still allow landlords to consider criminal history for more serious crimes, like the sex offender registry.

If you feel like your criminal record is geting in the way of housing opportunities, we can help. Our fast, affordable, and online process gives more expunciton opportunities to those who feel burdened by their criminal history. Reach out to us at EasyExpunctions.com to get started with a free background check. From there we can see what’s on your record and what we can clear!

Following the legalized use and sale of recreational cannabis last year, New Mexico District Attorneys are reviewing cannabis-related cases for expungement. In addition to the legalization bill, there is an accompanying bill to automatically expunge criminal records with cannabis charges that are no longer illegal.

District attorney offices are reviewing thousands of cases across the state for eligibility for automatic expungement, with a large number reviewed in Bernalillo County. Although most cases are eligible, some are in the process of being challenged. Attorneys have objected to instances where individuals were in possession of large quantities, transported more than a hundred pounds, or distributed to a minor, accounting for 0.45% of the cases.

The Department of Public Safety initially counted 151,640 cases eligible for re-evaluation, but the courts will have the final say on whether a record gets erased. The 2nd District Attorney’s office alone has reported over 11,527 cases have been reviewed, with 53 challenged. Although expungements could provide relief to those affected by a criminal record, there has been some concern about how the process will occur in court. In addition, Attorney’s offices could have difficulty notifying individuals of their eligibility. The last known attorney of the prosecuted is to be notified, but some of them are now prosecutors, deceased, retired, or moved out of state. Despite the lack of a clear process or method for notifying clients, District Attorney offices are determined to figure out a way to help thousands get the expungement they deserve.

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Last month, the U.S. Senate was introduced to a marijuana reform bill that seeks to federally legalize marijuana and promote social equity. The first draft, unveiled over a year ago, has been revised into its final version consisting of 296 pages that now incorporate feedback from more than 1,800 comments. After the draft version was first released, Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) formally filed the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act (CAOA).

The bill holds a lot of hope for many advocates and stakeholders, who eagerly await the possibility of the bill being passed. The bill could lead to a more incremental reform package that could help end failing prohibition in America. There has been clear House support for a comprehensive legalization bill, as the chamber voted to pass a similar measure in April called the Marijuana Opposition, Reinvestigation and Expungement (MORE) Act. CAOA’s current revision focuses on multiple concerns, such as workers’ rights within the cannabis industry. Additionally, it also focuses on federal responsibility to set an impaired driving standard, banking access, and expungements and punishments for possessing or distributing large quantities of marijuana without a federal permit. While basic FDA standards would need to be met, the bill also stipulates that the agency cannot prevent cannabis businesses from marketing marijuana food items.

While Schumer originally stated that the CAOA would be filed in April, that never happened. The Senate Judiciary Subcommittee, chaired by Senator Booker, is scheduled to conduct a hearing titled ” Decriminalizing Cannabis at the Federal Level: Necessary Steps to Address Past Harms”. Although details about what will be discussed at the hearing are limited, the CAOA is sure to be the main talking point now that it has been filed. Since the CAOA has been revised, its framework now covers an array of cannabis issues that are either unique to the bill or have previously been proposed as standalone bills. One of its unique features is that the bill would create a new federal definition for hemp, increasing THC’s permissible dry weight from 0.3 percent to 0.7 percent. However, this would also be made to include all THC isomers and not just Delta-9 THC. Additional provisions of the bill include: those 21 and older would be allowed to purchase recreational marijuana, physicians with the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs would be authorized to issue recommendations for medical cannabis to veterans, and records would be expunged for those within one year of enactment for low-level, federal cannabis convictions.

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