The bill amends New Jersey's expungement laws to broaden the eligibility criteria for individuals seeking to clear their criminal records. It removes the previous cap on the number of convictions that can be expunged and eliminates restrictions on the number of times a person can apply for expungement. The new provisions allow individuals to apply for expungement regardless of subsequent convictions, provided they meet certain conditions, such as completing court-ordered financial assessments and adhering to a five-year waiting period from their most recent conviction. Additionally, the bill modifies the definitions of eligible offenses, treating certain minor drug offenses, particularly those involving marijuana, as disorderly persons offenses, thus making them eligible for expungement.

Moreover, the bill introduces significant changes to the expungement process, including allowing the expungement of first and second-degree crimes related to the sale or distribution of controlled dangerous substances if deemed consistent with public interest. It also facilitates expedited expungement relief for young drug offenders, even if they have prior convictions or have violated probation or parole conditions. The bill clarifies that multiple disorderly persons offenses committed on the same day or under similar circumstances can be expunged together and repeals existing legal language that limited expungement relief based on the number of convictions, promoting a more rehabilitative approach for individuals seeking to clear their records.