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HB 2452

Expunction - As enacted, permits a court to expunge certain violent offenses for which a person has been pardoned; requires the court to consider, in weighing the best interests of justice and public safety, whether the offense sought to be expunged was violent and any other relevant factors presented by the petitioner and the district attorney general. - Amends TCA Title 40.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Johnny Garrett

Allows Tennessee courts to expunge violent felony convictions for pardoned individuals after weighing public safety and case circumstances.

Comp. became Pub. Ch. 719
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Bill Summary · HB 2452

Legislative bill overview

HB 2452 would allow Tennessee courts to expunge (legally erase) certain violent felony convictions for individuals who have received a gubernatorial pardon. The bill requires courts to weigh factors including the violent nature of the offense, public safety concerns, and other circumstances presented by both the petitioner and district attorney when deciding whether expungement serves the interests of justice.

Why is this important

Expungement can significantly affect a pardoned person's ability to find employment, housing, and reintegrate into society, yet violent felony convictions typically remain on record permanently in Tennessee even after a pardon. This bill creates a pathway for courts to consider removing these records in exceptional circumstances where individuals have received executive clemency, potentially balancing rehabilitation with public safety concerns.

Potential points of contention

  • Public safety concerns: Critics may argue that expunging violent crime records—even for pardoned individuals—undermines transparency and could harm businesses, landlords, or institutions that conduct background checks to protect public safety
  • Pardon discretion vs. judicial discretion: The bill shifts decision-making from the governor (who grants pardons) to judges; some may argue this duplicates the pardon process or creates inconsistent outcomes depending on individual judges' interpretations
  • Victim impact: The bill doesn't explicitly address whether victims or their families have input in expungement decisions, raising concerns about their interests in public records and closure

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

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