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N.J. Lets Some Pot Convictions Go in Step Toward Legalization

  • Governor signs bill hailed by progressives as fresh start
  • Other measure restores voting for more than 80,000 residents
Phil Murphy

Phil Murphy

Photographer: Ron Antonelli/Bloomberg
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New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation to expunge the criminal records of low-level marijuana offenders and to restore voting rights for more than 80,000 convicts.

Murphy, a Democrat who took office in January 2018, hailed the bills as a hallmark of his progressive agenda and a fresh start for thousands of residents whose records have hampered job and housing searches. The laws were welcomed by civil-rights groups, urban mayors and religious leaders.