Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R) allowed HB 239, a broad criminal justice package, to become law without his signature on Thursday, enacting a provision that lets residents shield certain marijuana conviction records from public disclosure.
Under the new law, people convicted of possessing under one ounce of cannabis while aged 21 or older at the time of the offense may request that their records not be released, provided no other criminal charges arose from the same case. The requirement to actively make that request expires on January 1, 2028.
HB 239 passed the Senate 20-0 and the House 39-1. The marijuana record-sealing provision originated as a standalone measure, HB 81, introduced by Rep. David Nelson (R).
"In 2014, the state of Alaska voted to legalize the cultivation, sale, and recreational use of marijuana for adults. Despite this change in state law, some Alaskans remain blocked from employment, housing, volunteering, licensing, and other opportunities," Nelson said. "Hardworking Alaskans could automatically be denied a chance because of previous low level marijuana convictions and employers are potentially deprived of skilled labor in an increasingly dwindling labor market."
"The State cannot afford to pass on skilled labor simply because low level misdemeanors are hindering some Alaskans from pursuing those positions or from finding housing closer to better opportunities," he said. "This bill will help individuals keep portions of their record confidential while still allowing government agencies access for background and statistical information. Hardworking Alaskans must be given a chance to find redemption for small mistakes and be given the opportunity to make an economic impact like any other citizen."
On a separate front, a state government task force earlier this year recommended that Alaska pursue regulated psychedelic access contingent on federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of substances such as psilocybin and MDMA. An advocacy campaign announced in December that it fell short of the signatures needed to place a legalization initiative—covering psilocybin and DMT—on Alaska's 2026 ballot, and has shifted its focus to 2028.
