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HD 3341

An Act to update expungement

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

HD 3341 expands eligibility for criminal record expungement in Massachusetts, enabling more individuals to petition for removal of convictions or dismissed cases from public records.

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Bill Summary · HD 3341

Legislative bill overview

HD 3341 updates Massachusetts' expungement laws to allow individuals to petition for removal of criminal records under expanded circumstances. The bill modernizes the state's existing expungement framework, which currently has limited eligibility criteria and procedures. This addresses concerns that outdated records continue to harm employment, housing, and educational opportunities for individuals long after their cases conclude.

Why is this important

Criminal records significantly impact reentry into society, even for minor offenses or dismissed cases. Expanding expungement access allows people to move forward without permanent barriers, benefiting workforce participation and reducing recidivism. This has economic implications for both individuals and the state's labor market.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of eligibility: Disagreement over which offenses qualify—serious crimes like violent felonies may be excluded, but debate exists over where to draw the line for drug offenses, property crimes, and other categories
  • Public safety concerns: Law enforcement and victim advocacy groups may argue broader expungement compromises transparency and community safety, especially for offenders with multiple convictions
  • Implementation costs: Courts and law enforcement agencies would need resources for record management, petition processing, and system updates to execute expanded expungement procedures

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

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