The proposed bill significantly reforms New Jersey's expungement laws to enhance accessibility for individuals seeking to clear their criminal records. Key amendments include the removal of caps on the number of convictions eligible for expungement and the elimination of restrictions on the number of times a person can apply for expungement. Individuals with one or more convictions can now apply for expungement after a waiting period of six years for indictable offenses and five years for disorderly persons offenses. The bill also allows for the expungement of first and second-degree convictions related to the sale or distribution of controlled substances, contingent on the court's determination of public interest, which marks a departure from the previous law that only permitted expungement for lesser offenses.

Additionally, the bill introduces provisions specifically for young drug offenders, allowing those aged 21 or younger at the time of their offense to receive expedited expungement relief, even if they have prior convictions or have violated probation or parole. It repeals N.J.S.2C:52-32, which previously imposed limitations based on the number of convictions or prior expungement attempts, and simplifies the process by removing the requirement for petitioners to demonstrate that they have never been granted expungement relief before. Overall, these changes aim to facilitate the reintegration of individuals with criminal records into society by making the expungement process more inclusive and accessible.