Representative Holly’s bill to codify federal‑style pardons for simple possession discussed; committee defers for counsel review

Representative Holly presented House Bill 804 to the committee, describing it as a parity measure that would codify an unconditional pardon approach for people convicted of low‑level simple possession so they could more easily reenter the workforce.

The sponsor said the bill is intended to align state practice with a federal presidential pardon for low‑level offenders and stressed it would not affect prosecutions for trafficking or large‑quantity offenses. "This is just to focus on low level offenders who have paid their debt to society and to allow for them to be able to get back into the world of work," the sponsor said.

Committee members questioned whether federal pardon language — including reference to the federal "pardon attorney" — applies in state law and whether the measure as drafted would create constitutional issues or ambiguity about the Attorney General’s role. Several members asked the sponsor to consult legislative counsel and the chair said the committee would come back to the bill later in the session after clarifying those questions.

No final committee vote was recorded on HB804 during the session; the chair deferred further consideration pending legal review.