Rhode Island Governor Voices Support for Marijuana Expungements

Despite recent reform proposals that failed to mention marijuana expunctions, Rhode Island governor Daniel McKee recently stated that he supports people having their prior marijuana records expunged alongside future marijuana legalization. The remarks come on the heels of McKee's 2022 budget proposal that included legalization measures, as well as Rhode Island legislatures announcing a bill to tax and regulate marijuana.
In an interview with WPRI-TV's Newsmakers, McKee pointed towards Massachusetts as an example, the neighboring state has ended cannabis prohibition and included provisions that expunge the criminal records of those with certain prior offenses. McKee stated the following: "I think the landscape has changed, you have Massachusetts moving ahead, you can learn from them."

McKee was unable to comment if there would be automatic expunctions or if those with records would have to apply, but noted that "either one is fine with me." He went on to state, "If in fact it's no longer a crime today, that shouldn't be part of the record."

Though these ambitious statements hold few specific plans to legalize, regulate, and clear past marijuana crimes, it's good to see Gov. McKee voice his support for legalization at all; especially considering the fact that he stated he didn't support legalization at all just three years ago. In the interview, he also acknowledged that people of color have been disproportionately affected in the past, something all lawmakers should be keenly aware of as they craft laws to amend the war on drugs.

If your state has yet to enact laws that serve to rid your record of past marijuana crimes, we might be able to help get you on the path to a clear record. Our expunction services are fast, online, and significantly cheaper than the cost of hiring a lawyer. Reach out to us today to see what we can do for you and your criminal record, so that you can move on and get the fresh start you deserve.