The bill amends Section 12-1.3-1 of the General Laws in Chapter 12-1.3, titled "Expungement of Criminal Records," to introduce new definitions and provisions regarding the automatic expungement of eligible criminal records. Key insertions include definitions for terms such as "Administrative office of state courts," "Central repository," and "Sentence completion date."

The bill establishes a framework for the automatic expungement of eligible conviction records, allowing state agencies to initiate and complete the process electronically without requiring individuals to file petitions, pay fees, or take any affirmative action. It specifies eligibility criteria for automatic expungement, including the absence of prior felony convictions, the completion of all court-imposed obligations, and certain timeframes following the sentence completion date.

Additionally, the bill outlines the responsibilities of the Administrative Office of State Courts (AOSC) and the Department of Attorney General in implementing the automated expungement process. It mandates the identification and expungement of eligible records by January 1, 2030, and requires ongoing monthly evaluations of new eligible records. The legislation includes provisions for reporting on the implementation of automated expungement and ensures that individuals may truthfully state they have never been arrested or convicted for offenses that have been expunged.

The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
7508: 12-1.3-1