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Birmingham’s Mayor Pardons Residents For Marijuana Offenses
May 24, 2022
About The Pardons
Birmingham’s Mayor Randall Woodfin is in favor of legalizing cannabis use for adults who live in Alabama. However, many of his fellow legislators have been reticent to approve bills that cover this topic. Since a law that decriminalizes marijuana and calls for the expungement of associated offenses is not likely to happen anytime soon, Woodfin has taken steps to help people who have convictions for marijuana related charges.
On April 20, the mayor granted pardons to any Birmingham resident who has a misdemeanor for marijuana possession. This is not the first time he's done this, so they were specifically for individuals who incurred charges over the previous eight months. In 2021, the mayor pardoned nearly 15,000 people who had convictions that occurred between 1990 and 2020.
During the event, Mayor Woodfin wore a yellow shirt with the words “Legalize Alabama” in large letters on the front. It is unclear how many people were officially pardoned on that day.
In The Mayor’s Words
The mayor has spoken passionately about helping people who have criminal records that are due to cannabis use. He clarified that he’s not thumbing at his nose at the state but believes this is the right thing to do. Woodfin commented: “This has an impact on not only young people, but anybody who needs and deserves a second chance.”
While the city’s police department continues to arrest people for marijuana-related charges, the mayor and his team have emphasized they are merely doing this to comply with state laws. They hope to make changes in Alabama that would eliminate the need for such actions.
Opposition To Legalization
Many legislators in Alabama are said to be opposed to legalizing marijuana. However, the state’s Democratic Party recently announced that they would support a bill which calls for legalization. If the state moves in that direction, numerous people could have their criminal convictions expunged.
What Employers Should Know
Employers in Birmingham should be aware that the mayor has pardoned thousands of cannabis-related convictions. If a criminal record is sealed, then it can no longer be considered by hiring managers. This makes it important for organizations to rely on the background screening services of an accredited Consumer Reporting Agency (CRA).
CRAs take multiple steps to ensure the records they provide in a background check are current, accurate and reportable. By working with a CRA, employers show that they are conducting due diligence and taking steps to create safe workplaces. Background checks also help hiring managers confirm each applicant’s eligibility, which empowers them to make informed decisions and build strong teams.
If Your Organization Is Hiring
If you are bringing on employees, volunteers or contractors, please contact us. Our highly experienced team can help you build custom screening packages that are ideal for any type of position. We are based in the United States and available to assist you and answer questions Monday through Friday from 5am to 6pm PT.
