AZ HB2856

Amends Arizona law to allow persons convicted of nondangerous Class 4, 5, or 6 felony offenses with no victims to petition the court to have their conviction permanently designated as a Class 1 misdemeanor after completing all sentence terms and waiting five years.

Maintains existing eligibility requirements for sealing case records, including completion of all monetary obligations and restitution to victims before filing a petition.

Preserves exceptions allowing sealed records to be used in subsequent prosecutions, for impeachment, sentence enhancement, and in specific employment background checks involving law enforcement, child welfare, and certain transportation/financial positions.

Allows sealed records to remain available to authorized entities including law enforcement, prosecutors, courts, and corrections agencies for official purposes listed in the statute.

Permits individuals with sealed records to state they have never been arrested or convicted except in specified circumstances such as fingerprint clearance card applications, certain felony sex offenses, and positions involving care for minors or vulnerable adults.