HB 2276 Summary

• Allows individuals who participated in forest restoration projects while incarcerated with the Arizona Department of Corrections to petition the court to vacate their conviction and expunge related records upon release.

• Courts must grant petitions unless the county attorney or victim objects; if objections are filed, courts must grant relief unless clear and convincing evidence shows expungement is not in the interests of justice.

• Courts may consider restitution payment status, petitioner rehabilitation, risks accepted during forest restoration work, and public safety when evaluating contested petitions.

• If a petition is initially denied, the person may file one additional petition after completing parole or community supervision and paying any required restitution, with appeal rights available for second denials.

• Requires courts to seal conviction records and direct the Department of Public Safety, arresting agencies, county attorneys, and other entities to destroy related records within 60 days; persons with vacated convictions may respond to inquiries as though the conviction never occurred.