Bill > SB692

This bill modifies Missouri's laws regarding criminal record expungement by establishing comprehensive rules for how individuals can seek to clear their criminal records. The bill defines key terms and outlines eligibility criteria for expungement, specifically allowing people to apply to have certain criminal records erased after a waiting period (at least one year for misdemeanors and three years for felonies). Not all crimes are eligible for expungement, with significant exclusions for serious offenses like violent felonies, sex offenses, and certain specific criminal actions. To be considered, applicants must demonstrate they have completed all court-ordered dispositions, have no pending charges, and show they are not a current threat to public safety. The bill allows individuals to expunge up to three misdemeanors and two felonies in their lifetime, with a specific process requiring petitioners to name all relevant law enforcement agencies and courts in their filing. Importantly, the bill modifies previous language about restitution, indicating that the payment of restitution is no longer an absolute requirement for expungement. If granted, an expungement effectively restores the person's civil rights and allows them to legally state they have not been convicted of the expunged crime in most circumstances, though certain professional licensing and employment applications still require disclosure.

Justice

https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=4600756