As the laws surrounding marijuana continue to evolve throughout the country, Pennsylvania’s top two executives are promoting commonsense change that is both merciful and fiscally prudent.
Gov. Tom Wolf and Lt. Gov. John Fetterman, as well as state Board of Pardons Secretary Brandon Flood, have announced an initiative to expedite the pardon process for minor marijuana-related offenses. It is a plan that comports with changing law and offers thousands of Pennsylvanians an opportunity to clear from records minor offenses that are trending toward no longer being criminal in Pennsylvania — offenses that can be a barrier to employment, housing and education.
The reformed process, which creates a separate track for pardon requests for nonviolent marijuana offenses, would allow Mr. Flood’s office to cut the time for evaluating requests by half, allowing officials to reach a decision on an application within a year. Mr. Flood, who was pardoned by Mr. Wolf earlier this year for offenses he committed as a young man, understands firsthand the importance of second chances. The second chance in these cases aren’t just merciful but logical, considering the evolution of the state crimes code.
Pennsylvanians hoping to receive a pardon can use a streamlined application system that guides the user through the legal process. It is not dissimilar to Project Reset, an online tool for Allegheny County residents applying to have an offense expunged from their criminal record.
Mr. Wolf has said that this system will not act as a rubber stamp for pardons and that each case will carefully reviewed to ensure applicants are not gaming the expedited system. The state should be sure to monitor the new process closely as it takes effect and make quick corrections should any issues present themselves.
But giving people a second chance is the right thing for the governor and his administration to do, offering an opportunity to move beyond past indiscretions and pursue a more fulfilling life.
First Published: October 24, 2019, 10:00 a.m.