AZ HB2893

Allows courts to seal arrest, conviction, and sentencing records for eligible persons, who are then treated as if they were never arrested, convicted, or sentenced in most respects.

Establishes waiting periods before petitioning to seal records: 10 years for class 2-3 felonies, 5 years for class 4-6 felonies, 3 years for class 1 misdemeanors, and 2 years for class 2-3 misdemeanors, with additional waiting periods for persons with prior felony convictions.

Prohibits sealing records for persons sentenced as dangerous offenders, convicted of crimes against children, serious or violent felonies, offenses involving deadly weapons, or sex trafficking.

Requires sealed convictions to still be disclosable in specific employment contexts including fingerprint clearance cards, prescription drug handling, residential services, minor/vulnerable adult supervision, and financial asset management.

Appropriates $500,000 to the Administrative Office of the Courts for fiscal year 2020-2021 to implement the sealing provisions and allows defendants to appeal orders denying petitions to seal criminal records.