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Bill

Bill

A 6873

Relates to the automatic expungement of records of arrest

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Chantel Jackson

Bill A 6873 automatically expunges arrest records for those not convicted, helping individuals reintegrate into society and reducing stigma in employment and housing.

REFERRED TO CODES
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Bill Summary · A 6873

Summary of Bill A 6873: Automatic Expungement of Arrest Records

Bill Number: A 6873
Title: Relates to the automatic expungement of records of arrest
Status: Referred to Codes
Introduced: March 18, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill A 6873 aims to establish a process for the automatic expungement of arrest records for individuals who have not been convicted of a crime. The intent of this legislation is to reduce the long-term impacts of arrest records on individuals' lives, particularly in areas such as employment, housing, and education. By facilitating the automatic removal of these records, the bill seeks to promote rehabilitation and reintegration into society for those who have been arrested but not convicted.

Key Provisions

  • Automatic Expungement: The bill proposes that arrest records be automatically expunged after a specified period, provided that the individual has not been convicted of any crime during that time.

  • Eligibility Criteria: Individuals eligible for automatic expungement would include those whose arrests did not lead to a conviction, as well as those whose cases were dismissed or resulted in a not guilty verdict.

  • Notification Process: The bill outlines a process for notifying individuals when their records have been expunged, ensuring they are aware of their rights and the status of their records.

  • Implementation Timeline: While specific timelines for implementation are not detailed in the provided information, the bill will likely include provisions for how quickly the expungement process will take effect after the introduction of the bill.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Individuals with Arrest Records: The primary beneficiaries of this bill would be individuals who have been arrested but not convicted, allowing them to move forward without the stigma of an arrest record.

  • Employers and Landlords: The bill may also impact employers and landlords by reducing the number of arrest records they encounter during background checks, potentially leading to a more equitable hiring and rental process.

Procedural Aspects

  • Current Status: As of March 18, 2025, the bill has been referred to the Codes Committee for further consideration.

  • Related Legislation: This bill is related to several prior-session bills, including:

    • A 10676
    • A 2485
    • A 1307
    • S 895 (companion bill)

These related bills may provide context or additional frameworks for understanding the legislative landscape surrounding arrest record expungement.

Conclusion

Bill A 6873 represents a significant step towards reforming the treatment of arrest records in the legal system. By facilitating automatic expungement, the bill aims to alleviate the burdens faced by individuals with arrest records, fostering a more inclusive society. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, its implications for justice reform and individual rights will be closely monitored.

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

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