SB 1294 Summary

• Creates a new process allowing individuals to petition courts to seal criminal case records upon meeting specific eligibility criteria, including completion of sentence terms, dismissed charges, or arrests with no charges filed.

• Establishes waiting periods before petitions can be filed based on offense class: 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.

• Prohibits sealing records for dangerous offenders, convictions involving deadly weapons, sex trafficking, and certain sexual offense and drug-related felonies under chapters 14 and 35.1 of the Arizona Revised Statutes.

• Allows sealed records to still be used by prosecutors, law enforcement, courts, and probation departments for official purposes, and permits disclosure to employers and others in specified circumstances such as fingerprint clearance cards, child care positions, and law enforcement roles.

• Appropriates $500,000 to the Administrative Office of the Courts for implementation costs and becomes effective December 31, 2022.