The bill amends Section 12-1.3-4 of the General Laws regarding the expungement of criminal records. It introduces new provisions that allow law enforcement agencies to consider expunged records when issuing licenses or permits to carry a pistol or revolver. Additionally, it specifies that individuals with expunged convictions must disclose their past convictions when applying for licenses or permits to carry firearms.

The bill outlines the conditions under which custodians of expunged records may disclose information, limiting access primarily to the individual whose record was expunged, certain legal and educational authorities, and law enforcement agencies in specific circumstances. It establishes civil liability for any agency or individual that willfully fails to comply with the expungement provisions or improperly discloses expunged records. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5889: 12-1.3-4