MO HB1478

Allows individuals to petition courts to expunge records for nonviolent crimes, all misdemeanors, and nonviolent drug violations.

Requires applicant to have completed their sentence, probation, or parole at least four years prior to filing and meet additional criteria including high school graduation or GED, higher education degree or two years continuous employment, 700 hours of community service, and no new convictions during the four-year period.

Upon expungement, records become confidential and applicant may legally deny the arrests, pleas, trials, or convictions occurred, with protection against perjury charges for such denial.

Petition must be filed in civil division of circuit court where arrest occurred and must include detailed personal information, offense details, case numbers, and applicant fingerprints for identification purposes.

Court must set hearing no sooner than 30 days after petition filing and notify all named law enforcement agencies, courts, and prosecutors; Supreme Court shall establish procedures similar to small claims cases.