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H 1811

An Act requiring clean slate automated record sealing

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by James Arena-DeRosa and 48 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill automating criminal record sealing after waiting periods to eliminate barriers and standardize access to "clean slate" opportunities without court petitions.

Accompanied a study order, see H5281 (under House Rule 27)
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Bill Summary · H 1811

Legislative bill overview

H 1811 establishes an automated "clean slate" system in Massachusetts that seals criminal records after specified waiting periods without requiring individuals to petition the court. The bill aims to streamline record clearance for people with certain convictions, making the process automatic rather than dependent on individual legal action or resources.

Why is this important

Sealed records can significantly improve employment, housing, and educational opportunities for people with criminal histories. Currently, individuals must navigate complex legal procedures and often hire attorneys to petition for record sealing, creating barriers for those with limited resources. Automation removes these barriers and creates uniform application of existing sealing laws.

Potential points of contention

  • Public safety concerns: Law enforcement and prosecutors may argue that automatic sealing limits their access to criminal history information needed for investigations, risk assessment, or sentencing in future cases
  • Implementation costs: Courts and government agencies would need to develop new IT systems and workflows to identify eligible records and execute mass sealing operations
  • Eligibility disputes: Disagreement over which crimes should be eligible for automatic sealing (violent crimes, sex offenses, and repeat convictions likely excluded but specifics matter) and appropriate waiting periods before sealing triggers
  • Victim notification: Questions about whether victims should be notified or have input before records of crimes against them are sealed

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

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