Bill > SB0139

This bill modifies Indiana's expungement laws, specifically addressing how certain serious violent felonies involving firearms are handled in the expungement process. The bill clarifies that for individuals seeking to have a serious violent felony involving a firearm expunged, the restoration of their right to possess a firearm is not automatic. Instead, the person must go through a court hearing where the judge will specifically determine whether restoring firearm possession rights would present a danger to the public. The bill requires that if a court grants an expungement for such a felony, the court order must explicitly state whether the person's right to possess a firearm has been restored. Additionally, the bill makes technical amendments to how expunged records are handled, including sealing records with various state agencies, limiting who can access sealed records, and providing a process for potential future access by prosecuting attorneys under specific circumstances. The changes are set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and aim to balance individual rehabilitation with public safety concerns, particularly in cases involving firearms.

Justice

https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2025/bills/senate/139/details