Bill > H1598

This bill aims to provide easier and greater access to record sealing in Massachusetts. The key provisions of the bill include: 1. Requiring the Commissioner of Probation to seal eligible criminal and delinquency records within 90 days of the time they become eligible, if the records are not already sealed. 2. Allowing individuals whose records have been sealed, or their legal representatives, to access the sealed records without first obtaining a court order or unsealing the record. 3. Expanding the definition of "delinquency" to include any offense in the juvenile court, whether or not the juvenile was charged as a youthful offender. 4. Requiring the Commissioner of Probation to seal all eligible criminal and delinquency records within 6 months of the effective date of the act. 5. Prohibiting any person from making sealed or expunged records available for inspection, except as otherwise provided by law. The bill aims to make the record sealing process more efficient and accessible for individuals who have eligible records, which can help them overcome barriers to employment, housing, and other opportunities.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H1598