State Senators Lindsey Port, Matt Klein, and Clare Oumou Verbeten unveiled Senate File 204 today, a measure that would expand expungement and resentencing opportunities for past cannabis convictions.
If enacted, the legislation would amend Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 609A.06, subdivision 3, to broaden the scope of offenses eligible for expungement or resentencing. Under the bill, individuals convicted of first- through fifth-degree controlled substance crimes involving marijuana or tetrahydrocannabinols (THC) may qualify, provided specific criteria are met. These criteria include:
- The absence of dangerous weapons, intentional bodily harm, or acts intended to cause fear of harm in connection with the offense.
- The offense being classified as a lesser crime or no longer considered a crime following Minnesota’s marijuana reforms effective August 1, 2023.
- Exhaustion of all appeals related to the conviction.
The proposed changes remove detailed statutory references in favor of a more general definition encompassing marijuana-related controlled substance crimes. This approach simplifies the process for individuals seeking relief and increases access to expungement opportunities.
Importantly, the bill defines a “lesser offense” as a nonfelony charge when the original offense was a felony, emphasizing its intent to provide proportional relief. If passed, the new provisions would take effect the day after the bill’s final enactment, potentially benefiting thousands of Minnesotans with outdated marijuana convictions.
Senate File 204 aligns with Minnesota’s broader cannabis policy reforms and reflects ongoing efforts to address the consequences of prior marijuana criminalization. For the full one-page text of the bill, click here.
