MO SB1356

Requires closed criminal records to be destroyed within six months of being closed, rather than kept in confidential separate records; arrest records remain closed but accessible to the defendant

Changes expungement process so that upon court order, entities must destroy records (except arrest records) rather than simply closing them

Removes provisions allowing various government agencies (criminal justice, law enforcement, Department of Revenue, Department of Health and Senior Services, federal agencies) to access closed records for specific purposes like licensing, employment screening, and criminal justice administration

Maintains existing expungement eligibility criteria including waiting periods (3 years for felonies, 1 year for misdemeanors), lifetime limits (2 felonies, 3 misdemeanors), and exclusions for violent crimes, sex offenses, and DUI-related offenses

Preserves requirement that expunged crimes must still be disclosed to courts when charged with subsequent offenses, and for certain professional licenses, gaming licenses, firearms permits, and employment with banks, insurers, or other federally-regulated entities