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HB 5958

Criminal procedure: expunction; certain conditions allowing for setting aside convictions and certain implementation dates; amend. Amends sec. 1g of 1965 PA 213 (MCL 780.621g).

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Abraham Aiyash and 15 co-sponsors

Michigan bill expands criminal conviction expunction eligibility to allow more individuals to clear records after meeting specified conditions and timelines.

bill electronically reproduced 09/26/2024
#criminalprocedure:expunction #criminalprocedure:records
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Bill Summary · HB 5958

Legislative bill overview

HB 5958 amends Michigan's criminal procedure law to expand conditions under which individuals can have convictions set aside (expunged) from their records. The bill modifies the expunction provisions in the 1965 Public Acts and establishes new implementation timelines for these expanded eligibility criteria.

Why is this important

Criminal convictions create lasting barriers to employment, housing, education, and professional licensing. Expanding expunction eligibility allows individuals to clear records after demonstrating rehabilitation, which can facilitate reintegration into society and reduce recidivism. This directly affects tens of thousands of Michigan residents with prior convictions seeking to move forward.

Potential points of contention

  • Victim and public safety concerns: Opponents may argue that broader expunction access undermines victims' interests and public awareness of certain criminal histories, particularly for violent or serious offenses
  • Definition scope: The bill's specific conditions for eligibility are not detailed in available summaries; contention likely centers on which crime categories qualify and waiting periods required
  • Implementation costs: Expanding expunction could increase administrative burden on courts and prosecutors managing record-clearing requests and maintaining accurate public databases

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

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