Expanded Record Sealing Opportunities Approved in Maine

LOS ANGELES- Maine’s Legislature has recently approved two significant bills that enhance the state’s ability to seal criminal records. Among these, one particular bill stands out for its focus on cannabis-related offenses. This legislation now permits the sealing of records for actions that, under Maine’s adult-use cannabis law, are no longer considered criminal offenses.

The initiative emerged from broader reforms aimed at increasing eligibility for record sealing, with a significant inclusion for those previously convicted of now-legalized cannabis activities. However, the proposal for an automatic sealing process for cannabis-related offenses encountered substantial opposition. Critics cited concerns over public access rights and the projected fiscal burden of approximately $633,185 for the 2024-2025 budget.

As a compromise, the enacted law, signed by Governor Janet Mills on April 16, does not automate the sealing process but allows individuals to request their records be sealed. This legal adjustment aligns with Maine’s continuing reforms in cannabis regulation, acknowledging shifts in public and legislative perspectives toward cannabis use.

In parallel, another bill was passed that adjusts the age criteria for record sealing eligibility, demonstrating the state’s commitment to reformative justice. Both legislative actions were influenced by a January 2024 report from the Legislature’s Criminal Records Review Committee, which has also been made a permanent fixture by unanimous legislative consent.

These developments signify a progressive shift in Maine’s approach to criminal records, especially concerning cannabis-related offenses, reflecting evolving legal standards and societal norms.