Latest Stories
Here’s what we've been up to recently.
NYC Mayor Launches Cannabis NYC Program
August 22, 2022, New York City's Mayor, Eric Adams, announced the launch of Cannabis NYC, a program under the city's Department of Small Business that will promote equity in the cannabis industry by supporting those most impacted by the drug war.
Rommy Kassim
9/9/2022
NYC Considers Prohibiting Landlords From Running Background Checks
New York City Council is once again facing a bill that would prevent most landlords from inquiring about a prospective tenant's criminal history. The bill, also known as the Fair Chance for Housing Act, encourages the concept that housing is a fundamental right.
Rommy Kassim
9/7/2022
New Mexico DA Reviewing Cannabis Cases For Expunctions
Following the legalized use and sale of recreational cannabis last year, New Mexico District Attorneys are reviewing cannabis-related cases for expungement. In addition to the legalization bill, there is an accompanying bill to automatically expunge criminal records with cannabis charges that are no longer illegal.
Rommy Kassim
8/28/2022
Bill For Marijuana Legalization Lands In Senate
Last month, the U.S. Senate was introduced to a marijuana reform bill that seeks to federally legalize marijuana and promote social equity. The first draft, unveiled over a year ago, has been revised into its final version consisting of 296 pages that now incorporate feedback from more than 1,800 comments.
Rommy Kassim
8/22/2022
SF Lawmakers File Resolution To Decriminalize Psychedelics
In a wake of decriminalization across the country, and especially in progressive states like California, some San Francisco lawmakers are now trying to decriminalize psychedelics like psilocybin and ayahuasca. Supervisors Dean Preston (D) and Hillary Ronen (D) sponsored new legislation that would reprioritize the enforcement of laws regarding these substances.
Rommy Kassim
8/17/2022
Proposed $1 Million Investment To Help Formerly Incarcerated Women
Pennsylvania's First Lady, Frances Wolf, recently attended the Manufacturers' Association for the York County Reentry Employer Roundtable to discuss the importance of second chance hiring practices. The roundtable included groups such as the York County Economic Alliance, the York County Reentry Coalition, business and nonprofit leaders, and criminal justice advocates.
Rommy Kassim
8/6/2022
Tampa Working To Expand "Ban The Box" Policy
The Tampa City Council approved a proposal that plans to reward businesses that hire ex-offenders. The proposal calls for contractors to "ban the box", which would remove any job application questions inquiring about an applicant's criminal history.
Rommy Kassim
8/4/2022
DC Cannabis Employment Protections Amendment Act of 2022
In Washington D.C., the recreational use of marijuana has been legal since 2015. Though it's been nearly seven years, lawmakers are just now ensuring that employers cannot discriminate against those who partake in a legal substance.
Rommy Kassim
7/21/2022
Indiana Law Concealing Many Eviction Filing Records Now In Effect
Starting July 1st, tenants in Indiana can now seek expungement for past eviction filings. The eviction expungement bill, Indiana House Enrolled Act 1214, was recently passed by the Indiana state legislature. The bill will now allow those with previous eviction filings to file an expungement.
Rommy Kassim
7/14/2022
Delaware Bill SB 13 Would Block Higher Education From Background Checks
The Delaware State Senate has recently passed Senate Bill 13, a bill that would block colleges and post-secondary educational institutions from accessing the criminal history of its potential students. Instead they would be permitted to ask targeted questions concerning convictions.
Rommy Kassim
7/11/2022