Explanation of Bill H.R. 2677

Bill Summary: H.R. 2677

This bill, titled "Harnessing Opportunities by Pursuing Expungement Act of 2023" or the "HOPE Act of 2023," aims to authorize the Attorney General to provide grants to states and local government units in order to lessen the financial and administrative burdens associated with expunging convictions for cannabis offenses. Additionally, the bill seeks to conduct a study on the impact of criminal offenses related to cannabis and the costs incurred by states for incarcerating individuals convicted for such offenses.

Section 2: State Expungement Opportunity Grant Program

Under this section, a grant program called the "State Expungement Opportunity Grant Program" will be established. The Attorney General is authorized to provide grants to states and local government units to help alleviate the financial and administrative burden of expunging convictions for cannabis offenses. These grants will be available to individuals who have been convicted of such offenses according to state laws.

Section 3: Study on the Impact of Criminal Offenses related to Cannabis

Within one year of enacting this bill, the Attorney General is required to conduct a study and submit a report to Congress on the effects of cannabis-related criminal convictions on an individual's criminal record. The study should cover the impact on future housing and employment opportunities as well as the likelihood of future involvement with the criminal justice system. Demographic differences, including race, should also be examined. Additionally, the study should analyze the costs incurred by states for incarcerating individuals convicted of cannabis-related offenses.

Section 4: Definitions

This section provides definitions for terms used in the bill. "Cannabis" is defined as either marijuana or cannabis as defined by the state law in which the individual or entity is located. "Cannabis offense" refers to a criminal offense related to cannabis that is no longer considered an offense under state law or has been designated as a lesser offense or had its penalty reduced under state law following the authorization of the sale or use of cannabis.

HB 2677 HOPE Act of 2023 Harnessing Opportunities by Pursuing Expungement Act of 2023

US Congress 118th Congress

Bill Texts

Introduced 04/26/2023

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Sponsors (6)

Rep. Earl Blumenauer

Co-Sponsor

Rep. Eleanor Norton

Co-Sponsor

Rep. David Joyce

Primary Sponsor

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

Co-Sponsor

Rep. Troy Carter

Co-Sponsor

Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer

Co-Sponsor