HB 81-ACCESS TO MARIJUANA CONVICTION RECORDS  4:41:15 PM CHAIR CARRICK announced that the final order of business would be HOUSE BILL NO. 81, "An Act restricting the release of certain records of convictions; and providing for an effective date." 4:41:48 PM REPRESENTATIVE DAVID NELSON, Alaska State Legislature, as prime sponsor, reintroduced and answered questions on HB 81. The bill is an important step in providing an opportunity for people with low level marijuana possession convictions to make a more significant economic impact on the state. He stated that hardworking Alaskans are facing barriers to employment, housing, licensing, and volunteering. He shared that 28 states have already enacted laws that apply specifically to records confidentiality regarding certain marijuana related offenses. At a time when Alaska really is struggling to find enough qualified workers to fill job openings, individuals shouldn't be excluded based on actions that are no longer illegal. He stated that HB 81 would make certain marijuana convictions confidential on basic background checks while keeping those convictions available for government agencies and qualified individuals. Individuals that are 21 years or older at the time of the crime, possessed one ounce or less of marijuana, and not convicted of any other crimes can request the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to make those crimes on records confidential. The proposed legislation doesn't remove the crimes from the records. He said DPS would have until January 1, 2028, to amend its database. The Alaska Court System has already amended its records. 4:43:52 PM CHAIR CARRICK invited committee questions. 4:44:18 PM REPRESENTATIVE HOLLAND asked for confirmation that the bill would apply to pre-legalization offenses in Alaska and does not pertain to federal offenses. REPRESENTATIVE D. NELSON confirmed that is correct. He deferred to Lisa Purinton for further details. 4:46:12 PM LISA PURINTON, Director, Division of Statewide Services, Department of Public Safety, advised that it would be limited to the state convictions and history. CHAIR CARRICK asked if 35 other states have already done this. REPRESENTATIVE D. NELSON replied that is correct. REPRESENTATIVE HIMSCHOOT asked about a constituent unable to travel overseas because of an earlier marijuana conviction and asked whether the proposed legislation would help the person be able to travel. REPRESENTATIVE D. NELSON replied that he didn't know the specific facts and there may be extenuating circumstances. REPRESENTATIVE HIMSCHOOT added that it was a misdemeanor. He was caught smoking marijuana when it was still illegal. MS. PURINTON stated that it would limit the displaying conviction information for those who are 21 years or older and the possession was under one ounce. The statute is very specific on when the information would be released; this is limited to a name-based background check. If a fingerprint- based background check or a background check for another reason were requested, then that information would still be released. CHAIR CARRICK asked if HB 81 was broad enough and asked how many people would be affected. REPRESENTATIVE D. NELSON replied around 8,500 Alaskans. 4:49:43 PM CHAIR CARRICK opened public testimony on HB 81. After ascertaining there was no one who wished to testify, she closed public testimony. 4:50:03 PM The committee took a brief at-ease at 4:50 p.m. 4:50:25 PM CHAIR CARRICK confirmed there are no more questions from the committee. 4:50:43 PM The committee took an at-ease from 4:50 p.m. to 4:51 p.m. 4:51:37 PM CHAIR CARRICK set an amendment deadline for HB 81 and thanked the sponsor for his bill. [HB 81 was held over.]