Alaska Moves to Seal Past Cannabis Convictions with HB 81

6 March 2025

Alaska lawmakers are moving forward with House Bill 81 (HB 81), a measure that would prevent state agencies from disclosing criminal records related to past low-level cannabis possession convictions. The bill, introduced by Representatives Nelson, Gray, and Prax, applies to individuals who were 21 or older at the time of their offense and were convicted only for possessing less than one ounce of cannabis. Under HB 81, eligible individuals could request that their records be sealed from public view.

Alaska remains one of the few states with legalized cannabis that does not currently allow for the expungement of past cannabis-related offenses. Advocates argue that restricting access to these records is essential to ending the stigmatization and collateral consequences faced by individuals with minor cannabis convictions.

If enacted, the law would take effect on January 1, 2026, and remain in place until at least 2028.

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