ME LD1871

Victims of sex trafficking or sexual exploitation may petition to seal criminal records for any conviction if they demonstrate the crime was a substantial result of their trafficking or exploitation, with no waiting period required

Proof of victim status can include official records, federal immigration certifications, affidavits from clergy/medical professionals/victim services staff, or other credible evidence; official documentation creates a presumption the crime resulted from trafficking

Records sealed under this provision cannot be automatically unsealed due to subsequent convictions, unlike standard record-sealing cases

Creates new regulations for business screening services (companies that sell criminal background checks), requiring records be updated within 30 days or verified within 90 days before dissemination

Business screening services must investigate disputed records at no charge, delete sealed or pardoned records, and face penalties of $1,000 or actual damages plus attorney's fees for violations of both state and federal Fair Credit Reporting Act provisions