The bill amends Section 15-27-1 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to allow individuals who have been adjudged youthful offenders, as well as those convicted of misdemeanor offenses, violations, traffic violations, or municipal ordinance violations, to file a petition for expungement of their records under specific circumstances. Notably, the new legal language inserted into the bill clarifies that youthful offenders can seek expungement if the underlying charge falls within the aforementioned categories. The bill also outlines various conditions under which expungement can be granted, such as the completion of probation or parole, the passage of a specified time period since conviction, and the nature of the offense not being violent or sexual in nature.

Additionally, the bill modifies the existing provisions regarding the disclosure of expunged records, allowing certain entities, including criminal justice agencies and the Department of Human Resources, to access these records for specific purposes. The language also emphasizes that expunged records may still be referenced in civil matters related to the criminal charges, ensuring that all references are redacted if the charges are ultimately expunged. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 15-27-1
Enrolled: 15-27-1