The bill proposes comprehensive reforms to New Jersey's expungement statutes, aiming to reduce filing burdens and expand eligibility for individuals seeking to clear their criminal records. Key amendments include modifications to N.J.S.2C:35-14, which governs special probation for individuals with substance use disorders. The bill allows individuals who are typically ineligible for probation due to certain convictions to apply for special probation if they meet specific criteria, such as undergoing a professional diagnostic assessment and demonstrating a substance use disorder. It emphasizes treatment and monitoring, requiring compliance with treatment programs and drug testing, while also clarifying the consequences of probation violations.

Additionally, the bill introduces significant changes to the expungement process, allowing individuals with limited prior convictions to apply for expungement after a five-year waiting period, with exceptions for certain circumstances. It also permits the inclusion of juvenile delinquency adjudications and municipal ordinance violations in expungement applications. The legislation streamlines the process by removing previous requirements related to juvenile delinquency and adult convictions, establishing an automated clean slate process for certain convictions, and creating a task force to oversee the implementation of these reforms. Overall, the bill aims to enhance rehabilitation opportunities for individuals with criminal records while ensuring public safety.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2C:52-4.1, 2C:52-5.3, 2C:52-5.4, 2C:52-10.1