A New Jersey assemblywoman will propose three bills aimed at social justice and economic opportunities should the Garden State legalize recreational cannabis, NJ Advance Media has learned.
Assemblywoman Annette Quijano (D-Union), the chairwoman of the Assembly Judiciary Committee and deputy majority leader, plans to introduce her bills Monday.
The bills will focus on the expungement of cannabis possession convictions, creating a tax credit program for cannabis businesses in urban enterprise zones and establishing an advisory board focused on recommendations for drug-sniffing dogs in the event of the legalization of cannabis.
"If we are going to allow the possession and use of marijuana in this state, then it is incumbent upon us to clear the records of all those who have been found guilty in the past," Quijano said. "Clearing the records of these individuals will allow them to access federal higher education loans, affordable housing programs and greater employment opportunities."