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Md. House OKs Bill To Expand Expungement Eligibility

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- Maryland residents who were convicted of a crime that is no longer considered one would be able to have the conviction expunged, under a bill approved by the House of Delegates.

The House voted 93-46 Thursday for the bill sponsored by Del. Curt Anderson, a Baltimore Democrat.

While there are several acts that were once crimes but aren't any longer, the measure would most likely apply to people convicted of possessing less than 10 grams of marijuana.

Last year, lawmakers decriminalized use or possession of less than 10 grams of marijuana. Now, it's a civil offense, subject to a fine of up to $100 for a first violation.

The Senate has passed a similar bill 41-6. It was sponsored by Sen. C. Anthony Muse, a Prince George's County Democrat.

(Copyright 2015 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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