The bill amends Kansas law concerning the expungement of criminal records, particularly focusing on the waiver of docket fees for individuals who submit a poverty affidavit. It allows judges to waive these fees, removing the previous restriction on service of process while the poverty determination is pending. Additionally, the bill modifies existing statutes to streamline the expungement process for individuals convicted of certain offenses, enabling them to petition for expungement after specific time periods following the completion of their sentences or diversion agreements. Key provisions include allowing individuals who have completed specialty court programs to petition for expungement and clarifying conditions for those coerced into committing offenses.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new definitions and regulations regarding expungement, specifying ineligibility for certain serious felonies and offenses requiring registration under the Kansas offender registration act. It outlines the petition process, including necessary information and fees, mandates court hearings, and requires notification of relevant parties. If granted, the court must send certified copies of the expungement order to relevant agencies. The bill also revises the docket fee structure for district court filings, establishing a fee of $173, with provisions for those unable to pay, and clarifies that only docket and service of process fees will be assessed in court cases.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 12-4516, 60-2001, 21-6614