File #: Res 0598-2015    Version: * Name: Governor to sign legislation expunging all misdemeanor convictions for low-level marijuana related offenses that occurred in NYC from 2000 through 2014.
Type: Resolution Status: Filed (End of Session)
Committee: Committee on Public Safety
On agenda: 2/26/2015
Enactment date: Law number:
Title: Resolution calling upon the New York State legislature to pass and the Governor to sign legislation expunging all misdemeanor convictions for low-level marijuana related offenses that occurred in New York City from 2000 through 2014.
Sponsors: Inez D. Barron, Corey D. Johnson, Antonio Reynoso, Donovan J. Richards, Ritchie J. Torres, Jumaane D. Williams, Bill Perkins
Council Member Sponsors: 7
Attachments: 1. February 26, 2015 - Stated Meeting Agenda with Links to Files

Res. No. 598

 

Resolution calling upon the New York State legislature to pass and the Governor to sign legislation expunging all misdemeanor convictions for low-level marijuana related offenses that occurred in New York City from 2000 through 2014.

 

By Council Members Barron, Johnson, Reynoso, Richards, Torres, Williams and Perkins

 

                     Whereas, In 1994, the New York Police Department (“NYPD”) introduced “Broken Windows” policing in New York City; and

                     Whereas, As part of “Broken Windows” policing, it is alleged that NYPD officers prompted New Yorkers during stop-and-frisk encounters to empty their pockets; and

                     Whereas, Often these stops lead to a misdemeanor marijuana possession charge when marijuana comes into public view; and                     

                     Whereas, In November 2014, Mayor de Blasio and Police Commissioner Bratton announced a new policy whereby individuals found in public possession of less than 25 grams of marijuana that is not burning will be issued a court summons instead of being arrested on a misdemeanor charge; and

                     Whereas, Mayor de Blasio characterized the policy change by saying it would direct police resources “towards more serious crime” and not waste “officer time processing unnecessary arrests;” and

                     Whereas, Black and Latino individuals make up about 54% of New York City’s population; and

                     Whereas, 86% of New Yorkers who were arrested for marijuana possession in the first eight months of 2014 were black or Latino; and

                     Whereas, Research shows that communities of color disproportionately battle the harsh impacts of low-level marijuana charges for the rest of their lives; now, therefore, be it

                     Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York State legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign legislation expunging all misdemeanor convictions for low-level marijuana related offenses that occurred in New York City from 2000 through 2014.

 

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BG

LS 3505/2015

1/28/15, 6:00P