Bill > S0012

This bill updates Vermont's laws related to sealing and expunging criminal history records, expanding and clarifying the procedures for individuals seeking to seal or expunge records of certain criminal offenses. The bill significantly revises the definition of "qualifying crimes" eligible for sealing, establishing more comprehensive and detailed categories of offenses that can be sealed, including many misdemeanors and some felonies. It creates new time-based requirements for sealing records, such as waiting periods of three years for misdemeanors, seven years for qualifying felonies, and ten years for DUI offenses. The bill also introduces stricter guidelines for accessing sealed records, including requiring special court orders for criminal justice agencies to disclose sealed records and imposing a civil penalty of up to $1,000 for unauthorized access or disclosure. Additionally, the bill mandates that state administrative entities and the Judicial Branch inform individuals of their right not to disclose expunged or sealed records. It also requires the Vermont Criminal Justice Council to develop a statewide model policy for law enforcement agencies regarding the use of sealed criminal history records, ensuring consistent application of the law while balancing confidentiality with legitimate criminal justice purposes. The bill aims to provide individuals with more opportunities to have their criminal records sealed, potentially helping them overcome barriers to employment, housing, and other opportunities created by past criminal records.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/S.12