Bill > HB0297

This bill makes several amendments to Utah's expungement laws, focusing on expanding and clarifying the automatic expungement process for certain criminal records. The bill updates definitions related to expungement, modifies the criteria for automatic expungement of criminal records, and adjusts procedures for obtaining certificates of eligibility for expungement. Key provisions include expanding the types of cases eligible for automatic expungement, particularly for minor offenses like drug possession, traffic offenses, and certain misdemeanors, while maintaining restrictions for more serious crimes. The bill introduces new provisions allowing the Bureau of Criminal Identification to request a court to vacate an expungement order if the case was not actually eligible for expungement. Additionally, the bill provides more flexibility in filing expungement petitions by allowing petitions to be filed in alternative courts if the original court no longer exists, and clarifies notification procedures for expungement orders. The changes aim to make the expungement process more accessible and streamlined, particularly for individuals with less serious criminal histories, while still maintaining safeguards to protect public safety. The bill is set to take effect on May 7, 2025, and includes coordinating language with potential related legislation.

Justice

https://le.utah.gov/~2025/bills/static/HB0297.html