HB 279

Abstract

Criminal records; sealing of records by petition;criteria. Removes the requirement that a petitioner has not previously obtained the sealing of two other deferrals or convictionsarising out of different sentencing events from the criteria thatmust be met for the court to enter an order requiring the sealingof the criminal history record information and court records relatedto certain convictions or charges that have been deferred or dismissed.The bill also adds convictions for driving on a suspended licenseand driving without a valid license to the list of convictions eligiblefor automatic sealing. Currently, such offenses are eligible forsealing upon petition. Also, for sealing of misdemeanor offenses by petition, the bill reduces from seven years to five years theperiod for which the person shall not have been convicted of any offense in order to be eligible for such sealing. The bill also specifiesthat the sealing of records related to a conviction includes the sealing of any criminal history record information and court recordsrelated to any violation of the terms and conditions of a suspendedsentence or probation for such conviction.