Michigan Lawmakers Approve Legislation to Automatically Expunge Cannabis-Related Convictions

The Michigan Legislature gave final approval Sept. 24 on legislation that would automatically expunge cannabis-related convictions, according to a FOX 2 Detroit report.

Included in a bipartisan package of six “clean-slate” bills are provisions that would launch an automated expungement process in roughly two and a half years, the news outlet reported. Those convicted of expungable crimes would have their convictions automatically cleared seven years after their misdemeanor sentence and 10 years after their felony sentence or the completion of their prison term, whichever is most recent.

The measures would also allow those with misdemeanor cannabis convictions to apply to expunge their records sooner if their offenses would not have been considered crimes after Michigan voters legalized adult-use cannabis in 2018, according to FOX 2 Detroit.

The legislation cleared the Senate Sept. 23 before passing the House the next day, and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is expected to sign the bills into law, FOX 2 Detroit reported. Once signed, the law would take effect in late March or early April, according to the news outlet.