Senate Bill 204 Seeks to Expand Marijuana Criminal Record Relief in Minnesota

12 March 2025

Minnesota lawmakers are working to help more people clear their records of past marijuana-related convictions. The Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee recently approved Senate Bill 204, which would expand eligibility for expungement and resentencing.

What Would Senate Bill 204 Do?

• More Convictions Eligible for Expungement: People convicted of first- through fifth-degree cannabis offenses could apply for expungement or resentencing.
• Some Exceptions Apply: Cases involving weapons, intentional harm, or attempted harm would not qualify.
• Fixes Gaps in the Law: When Minnesota legalized adult-use marijuana in August 2023, some felony-level cannabis offenses were left out of the automatic expungement process. This bill corrects that oversight so more people can get relief.
• Empowers the Cannabis Expungement Board: The Cannabis Expingement Board (CEB) would have the power to review cases that were previously ineligible.

Why Does Senate Bill 204 Matter?

• Clearing Records Helps People Move Forward – Felony convictions can make it hard to get a job, rent an apartment, or apply for loans. Expungement gives people a fresh start.
• Justice Reform Goes Hand-in-Hand with Legalization – Supporters say if marijuana is legal now, people shouldn’t still be punished for old offenses.
• Boosting the Cannabis Industry – Allowing more people with past cannabis convictions to work in the legal marijuana industry could help make Minnesota’s market more diverse and inclusive.

What’s Next?

The bill now heads for a full Senate vote. If passed, it could take effect this spring, making it easier for thousands of fellow Minnesotans to clear their records and move forward with their lives.

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