New Jersey passed a bill that makes the expungement process easier and more readily available for individuals with non-serious crimes on their criminal record. Bill A-5981 offers a clean slate to deserving citizens by clearing all prior non-serious crimes after ten years. The bill also allows an individual to immediately seek expungement for older offenses involving small amounts of marijuana. With the signing of this bill, a judge may now immediately remove a minor offense from an individual’s criminal record, and an individual may immediately file for expungement without the $75 filing fee after completing all jail time, probation, parole, and paying court fees.

Studies show that black people are three times more likely to be arrested for marijuana-related crimes than white people. Given that a criminal conviction makes getting a job, receiving financial aid, and finding stable housing more difficult, it’s evident that the criminal justice system has discriminated against black people for far too long. The signing of this New Jersey bill is one solution to our nation’s social justice issue. Although one bill cannot resolve our country’s disproportionate treatment amongst our citizens, it is undoubtedly a step in the right direction.

This shift to an automated system makes expungement a more fair and accessible process for deserving American citizens. With greater opportunities to a greater amount of people, our nation’s economy and justice system can only improve. Those who have been restricted by their criminal record now have a second chance at housing, employment, and education. The signing of this bill has brought our country one step closer to achieving justice and equality for all citizens.