Bill > HB545

This bill establishes an automated expungement process for certain criminal cases in Maryland, specifically focusing on cannabis possession and other misdemeanor charges that meet specific eligibility criteria. The bill defines "expunge" as removing references to a criminal case from the Central Repository and making electronic court records non-public, without requiring physical destruction of records. Under the new law, the Judiciary will be required to identify and automatically expunge cases that are eligible under two main conditions: (1) cases meeting § 10-105 criteria where at least 3 years have passed since case disposition, and (2) misdemeanor cases under § 10-110 where at least 7 years have passed and the charge is not a domestically related crime or second-degree assault. Starting August 1, 2027, the Judiciary will conduct monthly reviews of cases becoming eligible for expungement, electronically notify the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services about these cases, and complete the expungement within 30 days of notification. The bill extends the previous expungement deadline from July 1, 2024, to July 1, 2027, and will take effect on October 1, 2025.

Justice

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0545?ys=2025RS