Bill > SB0956

This bill amends Tennessee's existing law regarding criminal record expungement by reducing the waiting periods for individuals seeking to have certain criminal offenses expunged (legally erased) from their records. Specifically, the bill lowers the waiting period from five years to three years for misdemeanors and Class E felonies, and from ten years to six years for Class D felonies. These changes apply to both individual offense expungement and cases involving multiple offenses. The bill maintains the ten-year waiting period for Class C felonies. Felony classes in Tennessee are ranked from most serious (Class A) to least serious (Class E), with each class carrying different potential sentences and legal implications. The changes aim to provide individuals with criminal records more opportunities to clear their records sooner, potentially improving their chances of employment, housing, and other opportunities. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, allowing time for legal systems and agencies to prepare for the implementation of these new expungement timelines.

Justice

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB0956&ga=114