The bill amends Section 15-27-5 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to update the procedures for expungements. Key changes include extending the time frame for a hearing from 14 days to 30 days if an objection is filed by the prosecuting authority or victim. Additionally, the court is now required to notify both the victim and the prosecuting authority of the hearing date. The bill also introduces new considerations for the court when determining expungement petitions, such as the nature of the offense, evidence of rehabilitation, and whether the offense was part of a negotiated plea agreement.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies that there is no inherent right to expungement, and the court has discretion over the number of cases that may be expunged after the first. It also changes the standard for appealing the court's ruling from "certiorari review" to "appeal," emphasizing that a ruling may only be reversed if there is an abuse of discretion. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 15-27-5, 15-27-5
Engrossed: 15-27-5, 15-27-5
Enrolled: 15-27-5, 15-27-5