This bill addresses public safety by modifying the eligibility criteria for automatic expungement of certain criminal offenses in Minnesota. Notably, it excludes reckless driving resulting in great bodily harm or death from the list of offenses eligible for automatic expungement. Additionally, the bill reduces the waiting period for individuals to petition for expungement from five years to four years in specific cases involving a stay of imposition. It also clarifies that certain offenses related to offering forged checks are now eligible for expungement.

The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2023 Supplement, specifically sections 609A.015 and 609A.02, to reflect these changes. The amendments include the insertion of new language that specifies the exclusion of reckless driving resulting in great bodily harm or death from expungement eligibility, as well as the inclusion of offering forged check offenses as eligible for expungement. The bill aims to streamline the expungement process and provide individuals with a clearer path to having their criminal records cleared, thereby promoting rehabilitation and reintegration into society.