The bill amends existing laws regarding the expungement of criminal records, specifically in Chapter 12-1.3. It introduces new definitions, including "crime of violence" and "other prohibited offenses," which detail the types of crimes that disqualify individuals from having their records expunged. The bill allows individuals who have been convicted of more than one felony, but fewer than five felonies, to file for expungement of those felonies, provided they have not been convicted of a crime of violence or other specified offenses.

Additionally, it establishes a timeline for when individuals can apply for expungement, allowing them to file a motion for expungement of records relating to felony convictions after fifteen years from the completion of their last sentence. The bill outlines the process for filing a motion for expungement, which includes notifying the Attorney General and the original police department.

The bill sets criteria for the court to evaluate a petitioner's moral character and rehabilitation, emphasizing that the expungement process is contingent upon the absence of recent criminal activity and the completion of all legal obligations. The court's decision will consider various factors, including the individual's background, employment, community ties, and overall rehabilitative progress. If granted, the expungement will remove all records from public inspection, allowing individuals to move forward without the burden of past convictions. The act would take effect upon passage.