LINCOLN- Three Nebraska lawmakers, who previously worked with Gov. Jim Pillen and Attorney General Mike Hilgers on the recently-passed criminal justice reform package, are requesting that the state's Pardons Board consider creating a process that encourages and expedites commutations and pardons for Nebraskans convicted of basic marijuana possession, a move that would make it easier for many in the state to secure work and housing.

In a letter delivered this week to the Governor's Office, Sens. Terrell McKinney, Danielle Conrad, and Justin Wayne asked the board to rethink Nebraska's second chance policy, urging the governor and the board to develop "an administrative process to encourage eligible people to seek pardons for simple marijuana possession convictions." The group of lawmakers added that such a change would be consistent with the "historic and meaningful" criminal justice reforms passed this year through LB50.

Conrad, who delivered the letter on Tuesday, said this change will help Nebraska fill jobs as it faces an increasing staffing shortage, and believes common ground on the issue can be found again with Gov. Pillen and AG Hilgers. McKinney echoed a similar sentiment, saying that second chances are nonpartisan and far more fair for those affected by simple possession charges. "Many people are starting to see the way we have been doing things as far as criminal justice policies and people coming back into society has negatively affected people and hasn't worked," he said.

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