Bill > HB132

This bill expands an existing pilot project for state-initiated expungement of arrest records by modifying the scope of offenses eligible for automatic record clearing. Originally focused on marijuana possession, the bill now includes possession of any Schedule V substance (which are the lowest-risk category of controlled substances) in any amount. The pilot project, administered by the Hawaii Department of the Attorney General, will automatically expunge arrest records that meet specific criteria: the arrest occurred before January 11, 2020, resulted in a single charge under section 712-1249, happened in a county with a population between 200,000 and 500,000 residents, did not result in a conviction, and is not otherwise prohibited from expungement. The bill recognizes that criminal records can significantly impact individuals' ability to secure housing, employment, and professional licenses, and aims to reduce logistical and financial barriers to record clearing. The project will run until October 1, 2025, and will use existing resources of the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center, with no cost to the record holder. This modification is intended to provide relief to more individuals with minor drug-related arrest records and improve the efficiency of the state's expungement process.

Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=132&year=2025