Bill > HB1081

This bill amends Tennessee law to reduce the waiting periods for criminal record expunction (the legal process of sealing or destroying court records of an arrest or criminal conviction). Specifically, the bill lowers the time that must pass after completing a sentence before a person can petition to have certain criminal offenses expunged. For misdemeanors and Class E felonies, the waiting period is reduced from five years to three years, and for Class D felonies, the waiting period is reduced from ten years to six years. The bill maintains the ten-year waiting period for Class C felonies. These changes apply to both single-offense expunction petitions and petitions involving multiple offenses. By shortening these waiting periods, the bill aims to make it easier for individuals with certain criminal records to clear their criminal history, potentially improving their employment and educational opportunities. The changes will take effect on July 1, 2025, giving state agencies time to prepare for the new law.

Justice

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB1081&ga=114