MS HB561

Raises the age threshold for first-time misdemeanor expunction in municipal court from twenty-three to twenty-six years old for individuals convicted before reaching that age.

Expands felony expunction eligibility to include possession with intent to sell, barter, transfer, manufacture, distribute or dispense controlled substances under Section 41-29-139(a) or (d), allowing expunction five years after successful completion of sentence.

Requires municipal courts to expunge records of cases where an arrest was made, the person was released, and the case was dismissed, charges dropped, or had no disposition.

Maintains expunction restrictions for crimes of violence and drug distribution-related felonies committed by individuals under age twenty-one, leaving those ineligible unless court determines otherwise.

Effective date is July 1, 2018.