Nick Reisman reports at New York State of Politics that the records of low-level marijuana arrests and convictions across New York State were expunged Aug. 28. “For too long communities of color have been disproportionately impacted by laws governing marijuana and have suffered the life-long consequences of an unfair marijuana conviction,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in a statement. “Today is the start of a new chapter in the criminal justice system. By providing individuals a path to have their records expunged, including those who have been unjustly impacted based on their race or ethnicity, and reducing the penalty for unlawful possession of marijuana to a fine, we are giving many New Yorkers the opportunity to live better and more productive, successful and healthier lives." Some legislators tried to legalize marijuana in the last legislative session, and, when that failed, passed the decriminalization legislation in June. Read more about this story at New York State of Politics.