The Vermont House voted Sept. 11 to approve S. 234, legislation that would automatically expunge low-level cannabis convictions involving the possession of two ounces or less, according to VTDigger.
The measure, which the House advanced in a preliminary vote of 113-10, would also decriminalize the possession of between one and two ounces of cannabis, the news outlet reported. Under current law, the possession of up to one ounce is legal, but possessing between one and two ounces is a misdemeanor.
RELATED: Vermont Lawmakers Consider Legislation to Expand Cannabis Expungements
The legislature’s push to expand cannabis expungements is part of the House and Senate’s deliberation on legislation that would tax and regulate cannabis sales in the state, VTDigger reported.
The legislation, which lawmakers have lauded as an important step for social justice, gives Vermont courts until Jan. 1, 2022 to expunge all records involving misdemeanor cannabis possession, according to the news outlet.
The bill is expected to clear the House on a second vote this week, VTDigger reported, and will then go back to the Senate, which approved the measure earlier this year.
