TN HB1257

Reorganizes and consolidates Tennessee's expunction laws by replacing Section 40-32-101 with new sections 40-32-106 through 40-32-110, establishing clearer procedures for removing and destroying criminal records

Allows expunction of public records when charges are dismissed, no true bill returned, person released without charges, nolle prosequi entered, not guilty verdict returned, mistaken identity proven, or for certain civil rights-era protest convictions (37+ years old)

Establishes eligibility for expunction of certain felony and misdemeanor convictions after waiting periods of 5 years (misdemeanors/Class E felonies) or 10 years (Class C/D felonies), with detailed lists of specific eligible offenses and exclusions for violent, sexual, and DUI offenses

Requires Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to develop certification forms confirming offense eligibility before courts can enter expunction orders, and creates district attorneys expunction fund and public defenders expunction fund from filing fees

Grants persons with expunged records full legal restoration, eliminating adverse consequences and permitting them to deny the arrest or conviction occurred without perjury liability, including restoration of firearm rights if otherwise eligible under state and federal law