MS HB237

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

Maintains existing expunction eligibility for first-time misdemeanor convictions that are not traffic violations.

Allows persons under 21 years old at time of felony commission to petition for expunction five years after sentence completion, excluding crimes of violence and drug distribution felonies at court's discretion.

Requires petitioner to provide 10 days' written notice to district attorney before expunction hearing and mandates court determine applicant rehabilitation on the record with specific findings if petition is denied.

Takes effect July 1, 2017.