Yesterday, the Assembly passed A-1897 which aims to decriminalize marijuana and promote awareness of the expungement process. The bill would replace arrests for possessing up to two ounces of marijuana or hashish with a civil fine of $50. A-1897 would also prohibit consideration of lesser marijuana-related offenses by employers, mortgage lenders, and landlords, when making decisions to hire, lend, or provide housing.
Earlier this year, the Senate introduced S-2101; a bill similar to the Assembly bill approved this week. The Senate bill, however, has not been scheduled for a committee hearing. Both houses have to pass a bill before it can be sent to the Governor.
Contact: Frank Marshall, Esq., Associate General Counsel, fmarshall@njlm.org, 609-695-3481 x137.