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SB 876

AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- EXPUNGEMENT OF CRIMINAL RECORDS

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jake Bissaillon and 3 co-sponsors

Expands Rhode Island criminal record expungement procedures, allowing more individuals to petition for removal of convictions from public legal history, potentially improving employment and housing access.

06/17/2025 Senate passed Sub A
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Bill Summary · SB 876

Legislative bill overview

SB 876 modifies Rhode Island's criminal record expungement procedures, allowing individuals to petition for removal of criminal records from their legal history. The bill has passed the Senate with a substitute amendment (Sub A), indicating substantive changes were made during the legislative process.

Why is this important

Criminal record expungement directly affects employment, housing, education, and professional licensing opportunities for people with prior convictions. Expanding access to record expungement can reduce barriers to reentry while raising questions about public safety information availability and victim protections.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of eligible offenses: The specific crimes eligible for expungement (violent felonies, sexual offenses, etc.) will determine who benefits and whether certain categories remain permanently on public record
  • Victim notification and rights: Whether victims are informed of expungement petitions and whether they can object, balancing rehabilitation with victim concerns
  • Public access to records: Whether expunged records remain accessible to law enforcement, employers in sensitive positions, and the general public, versus complete removal from all databases

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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