HB56 Summary

• Authorizes persons charged or convicted of certain felonies, misdemeanors, violations, or traffic violations to petition courts to have records expunged or sealed under specific circumstances.

• For dismissed charges or not guilty verdicts, records are destroyed; for qualifying convictions, records are sealed and removed from public disclosure after probation/parole completion and specified waiting periods (3 years standard, 5 years for domestic violence convictions).

• Establishes a $500 administrative fee per petition, distributed to the Fair Trial Tax Fund ($275), prosecutor's office ($50), court clerk ($50), Department of Public Safety ($50), Criminal Justice Information Center ($50), and Crime Victim's Compensation Commission ($25).

• Requires prosecuting authorities to notify victims of expungement petitions and provides a 45-day period to file objections; courts may hold hearings to consider factors including offense severity, rehabilitation evidence, and victim impact before granting petitions.

• Bars expungement unless all court-ordered restitution, fines, and court costs are paid in full; indigent persons may petition for payment plans; becomes effective three months after passage.