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Bill

H 1645

An Act to update expungement

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mike Day

Massachusetts updates criminal record expungement laws to expand opportunities for individuals with prior convictions to seal records and improve reentry prospects.

Hearing scheduled for 09/09/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2
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Bill Summary · H 1645

Legislative bill overview

H.1645 is a Massachusetts bill that updates the state's expungement laws, which allow individuals to have certain criminal records sealed or removed from public access. The bill was introduced by Rep. Mike Day and referred to the Judiciary Committee in February 2025, with a public hearing scheduled for September 9, 2025.

Why is this important

Expungement laws directly affect hundreds of thousands of people with criminal records, influencing their ability to obtain employment, housing, professional licenses, and educational opportunities. Updating these laws can balance public safety interests with rehabilitation and reentry opportunities for individuals who have paid their debt to society.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of eligible offenses: Disagreement over which crimes should be expungeable (violent crimes, sexual offenses, and repeat offenses are typically most contentious)
  • Waiting periods and conditions: Debate over how long individuals must wait after conviction or sentence completion before petitioning for expungement
  • Access by law enforcement and employers: Tension between giving people a fresh start and allowing police/employers to access sealed records for specific purposes (background checks, public safety determinations)

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

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