AL HB279

Amends Section 15-27-2, Code of Alabama 1975, to expand criminal record expungement eligibility to include all felony offenses, including violent offenses, when a person has been found not guilty of the charge.

Creates new subsection (b) allowing persons charged with any felony offense, including violent offenses as defined in Section 12-25-32, to petition circuit court for expungement upon acquittal.

Maintains existing expungement provisions for non-violent felonies dismissed with prejudice, no-billed by grand jury, dismissed after successful completion of drug court, mental health court, diversion, veteran's court, or deferred prosecution programs, or dismissed without prejudice after five years with no refiling and no subsequent convictions.

Requires that records related to violent offenses may still be disclosed to law enforcement agencies for criminal investigation purposes as provided in Section 15-27-7.

Becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.