The bill amends Chapter 230 of Title 13 of the Vermont Statutes, focusing on the expungement and sealing of criminal history records. It introduces new definitions, such as "criminal justice purposes," and revises the definition of "qualifying crime" to include all misdemeanor offenses with certain exceptions, including serious crimes like sexual exploitation of children. The bill establishes a new category for "designated felony property offenses" and outlines the procedures for petitioning the court for expungement or sealing of records. It broadens the scope of eligible offenses for expungement by removing previous stipulations regarding predicate offenses and emphasizes that the court's authority to grant petitions is based on factors like the completion of sentences and absence of new convictions.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for the expungement of municipal violation records and mandates the Vermont Criminal Justice Council to create a model policy for law enforcement regarding the access and use of sealed records. It specifies that inquiries about sealed records will indicate no criminal record exists, and individuals with sealed records are protected from subsequent proceedings for the same offense. The bill also establishes a special fund for managing administrative costs associated with sealing records and imposes civil penalties for unauthorized disclosure of sealed information. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance the privacy and rights of individuals with sealed criminal histories while ensuring necessary access for legal and administrative purposes.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 13-230, 13-7041, 23-2303
As Passed By the Senate -- Official: 13-230, 13-7041, 23-2303
As Passed By the Senate -- Unofficial: 13-230, 23-2303
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- Official: 13-230, 13-7041, 23-2303
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- Unofficial: 13-230, 23-2303
As Enacted: 13-230, 23-2303