New Missouri Bill Will Allow Cannabis Convictions to be Expunged

Last week, Missouri Governor Jay Nixon signed a bill that will allow people convicted of nonviolent cannabis crimes to have it expunged from their records. The new bill, Senate Bill 588, adds more offenses to a list of cannabis convictions that qualify to be removed from public records, according to The Sun Times.

“Missourians who have paid their debt to society and become law-abiding citizens deserve a chance to get a job and support their families. This bill represents a reasonable, balanced approach and I’m pleased to sign it into law today,” Governor Nixon stated in an official press release.

SB-588 does not guarantee a person’s detailed release from any convictions they’ve had in the past. In order to be considered for expungement, those individuals must provide proof that no other misdemeanors or felony charges have occurred following their required sentence and/or probation. They must also be free of any debt relating to their charges, including fines, restitution and other charges. Following expungement, information regarding the conviction becomes closed to the public but is still available for viewing by law enforcement and employers.

This is good news for anyone who was convicted of a cannabis crime in Missouri, however it will take time before anyone can even take advantage of the new bill. Those who are convicted of nonviolent cannabis felonies will have to wait seven years following the completion of their sentence, probation or parole, and anyone who was convicted of a misdemeanor must wait three years following the aforementioned requirements before possibly expunging their crimes.

It’s a small but important step to normalizing cannabis use, and SB-588 will eventually allow offenders to be able to make larger purchases without being disqualified, such as buying a car or home, and also have a better chance of getting a job.