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SD 1293

An Act relative to the expungement of non-convictions

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Brian Ashe and 2 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill allowing expungement of non-conviction arrest records to remove employment and housing barriers for legally exonerated individuals.

House concurred
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SD 1293

Legislative bill overview

SD 1293 would expand Massachusetts law to allow for the expungement of non-conviction records, such as arrests that were dismissed, acquittals, or cases where charges were dropped. The bill aims to remove barriers that individuals face when these non-convictions appear on background checks, affecting employment, housing, and professional licensing opportunities. This represents a significant expansion of current expungement protections, which primarily focus on convicted offenses.

Why is this important

Non-conviction records can permanently damage employment and housing prospects even though no guilt was established. Massachusetts residents with dismissed cases often cannot legally claim the arrest never happened, creating practical barriers despite their legal exoneration. This bill addresses a criminal justice equity issue affecting thousands of people whose cases were resolved in their favor but whose records remain publicly accessible.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs: Expungement requires court and law enforcement resources to identify, process, and seal records; fiscal impact on state and local budgets remains unclear
  • Public safety concerns: Some law enforcement agencies may argue that accessible non-conviction records aid in background investigations and crime prevention
  • Scope definition: The bill's precise language on which non-convictions qualify (acquittals vs. dismissals vs. nolle prosequis) and any waiting periods could significantly affect who benefits

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

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