Bill > S1028

This bill amends Florida law regarding the expungement of criminal records for qualifying marijuana offenses, establishing comprehensive provisions for how such records are handled and protected. The bill creates new guidelines for criminal history records that have been ordered expunged, mandating that while the Department of Law Enforcement must retain these records, they become confidential and exempt from public records requirements. Individuals with expunged records are generally allowed to legally deny or fail to acknowledge the expunged arrests, with specific exceptions for certain professional contexts like applying to work in criminal justice, seeking employment with vulnerable populations, or applying for professional licenses. The bill also establishes strict confidentiality rules, making it unlawful for employees of certain entities to disclose information about expunged records, with violations punishable as a first-degree misdemeanor. The legislation reflects a policy perspective that low-level marijuana offenses should not permanently impede a person's opportunities, acknowledging historical disparities in marijuana law enforcement. The exemption for these records is set to expire on October 2, 2030, unless the Legislature votes to continue it, and the bill's effective date is contingent on the passage of related legislation.

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/1028