MS HB695

Expands felony expunction eligibility to include sale or possession of a controlled substance or paraphernalia under Section 41-29-139, allowing petitions five years after completion of sentence.

Allows persons convicted of a felony before age 21 to petition for expunction five years after sentence completion, except for crimes of violence and drug distribution-related felonies at court's discretion.

Requires petitioner to give district attorney ten days' written notice before expunction hearing, with court determining eligibility based on rehabilitation.

Retains nonpublic records at Mississippi Criminal Information Center for determining first offender status in subsequent proceedings, and permits district attorney retention for law enforcement purposes only.

Takes effect July 1, 2016.