This bill introduces a new section to the Criminal Code, specifically RSA 651, which mandates the annulment of misdemeanor or violation-level offenses related to cannabis possession that occurred prior to January 1, 2025, upon petition by the convicted individual. The Department of Safety and the courts are responsible for processing these annulments. The bill allows individuals to request an examination of their arrest or conviction for eligibility, and if the Department fails to annul a qualified record, individuals can petition the court without incurring fees. Notably, annulments will be granted regardless of any outstanding court-related financial obligations, although they will not be processed until any incarceration or probation sentences are completed.

Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Safety to publish an annual report starting January 16, 2026, detailing the number of records annulled under this provision. The fiscal impact of the bill is deemed indeterminable, as it may require significant resources for the Department of Safety to manage the annulment process, including potential staffing increases and IT costs for automating record updates. The Judicial Branch anticipates an increase in court filings due to the expected rise in petitioners seeking annulments, which may necessitate adjustments in court operations and training.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 651:5-b