WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 451

Expunction - As introduced, reduces the time period following completion of the sentence imposed before which a person may file a petition for expunction from five years for a misdemeanor or Class E felony and 10 years for a Class C or D felony to one year since completion of the sentence imposed for the offense the person is seeking to have expunged. - Amends TCA Section 40-32-101.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Ronnie Glynn

Tennessee bill cuts criminal record expunction waiting periods from 5-10 years to 1 year post-sentence, enabling faster criminal justice reentry.

Withdrawn.
#expunction
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 451

Legislative bill overview

HB 451 would dramatically reduce waiting periods for criminal record expunction in Tennessee, allowing people to petition for record clearance just one year after completing their sentence instead of the current 5-10 year waiting periods depending on offense severity. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Section 40-32-101 to create uniform expedited access to expunction across misdemeanors and felonies.

Why is this important

Expunction removes criminal convictions from public records, substantially improving employment, housing, and educational opportunities for people who have served their sentences. Reducing waiting periods from years to one year would significantly accelerate reintegration for hundreds of thousands of Tennesseans annually and reduce recidivism by removing barriers to stable employment during critical post-incarceration periods.

Potential points of contention

  • Public safety concerns: Opponents may argue that shorter waiting periods don't allow sufficient time to demonstrate rehabilitation and could expose employers and communities to undisclosed criminal histories
  • Victim considerations: Critics may contend that shortened timelines fail to respect victims' interests in knowing about offenders' histories, particularly for serious felonies
  • Record accessibility for law enforcement: Questions about whether one year is adequate for law enforcement to maintain investigative records and whether expunction affects background checks for sensitive positions like firearms purchases or vulnerable population access

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

Sign in to ask a question.