The bill amends Section 12-1.3-2 of the General Laws regarding the expungement of criminal records. It allows individuals with felony convictions to file a motion for the expungement of up to six (6) misdemeanor offenses from their criminal record. The previous restriction that individuals could not have any felony convictions in order to seek expungement has been removed. The bill specifies that individuals may file for the expungement of any or all of their eligible misdemeanors.

The legislation also outlines specific timeframes for filing expungement motions: five years for misdemeanors and ten years for felonies after completing the sentence. It allows for the expungement of records related to deferred sentences upon their completion and provides a pathway for expungement of offenses that have been decriminalized since the conviction. Certain offenses, specifically those under chapter 29 of title 12, 31-27-2, or 31-27-2.1, remain ineligible for expungement. This act would take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5072: 12-1.3-2