The bill amends Section 12-1.3-2 of the General Laws regarding the expungement of criminal records. It allows individuals to file for expungement of misdemeanor convictions after three (3) years from the date of completion of their sentence, and for felony convictions after five (5) years from the date of completion. The bill reduces the waiting periods for expungement: it decreases the time required to file for expungement of misdemeanor convictions from five years to three years, and for felony convictions from ten years to five years.

Additionally, individuals with multiple misdemeanor convictions (fewer than six) can seek expungement under the new provisions. The bill maintains that individuals must have paid all outstanding court-related financial obligations to qualify for expungement, unless waived by the court. It also allows for the expungement of records related to offenses that have been decriminalized after the conviction. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
7281: 12-1.3-2