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H 1657

An Act relative to expungement of juvenile and young adult records

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Marjorie Decker and 6 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill expands expungement of juvenile and young adult criminal records to remove barriers to employment and housing after conviction.

Accompanied a study order, see H5281 (under House Rule 27)
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Bill Summary · H 1657

Legislative bill overview

H 1657 expands eligibility and streamlines procedures for expunging criminal records of juveniles and young adults in Massachusetts. The bill aims to remove or seal records of individuals convicted as minors or in early adulthood, reducing barriers to employment, housing, and education after conviction.

Why is this important

Juvenile and young adult criminal records can permanently limit economic and social opportunities even after rehabilitation. Expanding expungement access reflects growing recognition that youthful offenders deserve second chances and that sealed records reduce recidivism by enabling employment and stability.

Potential points of contention

  • Victim advocacy concerns: Victims' rights groups may object that expungement limits access to offender history, particularly for serious crimes, affecting safety decisions and civil proceedings
  • Public safety debate: Law enforcement and prosecutors may argue that broader expungement hampers crime prevention, background checks, and repeat offender identification
  • Scope ambiguity: Questions remain about which offenses qualify, age cutoffs for "young adult," timing requirements, and whether this applies retroactively to existing convictions

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

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