AL HB11

Felony convictions are automatically sealed 8 years after release from incarceration or sentencing, and misdemeanor/traffic/municipal violations are sealed after 3 years, provided no additional crimes (except minor traffic offenses) are committed during the waiting period.

Individuals convicted of Class A felonies, sex offenses, or those with pending charges or active post-release supervision are ineligible for automatic sealing.

Sealed records may be accessed by courts, law enforcement, prosecutors, defense attorneys, employers of law enforcement/corrections officers, firearm licensing agencies, and entities required by federal law to consider conviction records.

The Administrative Office of Courts must develop an automated system to seal eligible conviction records by October 1, 2027, and seal all records that became eligible before that date by December 1, 2027.

Individuals may sue parties who knowingly disclose sealed convictions without consent, and sealed convictions may still be used to enhance sentences under the Habitual Felony Offender Act.