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Bill > LD1911

ME LD1911

ME LD1911
An Act to Automatically Seal Criminal History Record Information for Certain Crimes

summary

Introduced
05/06/2025
In Committee
05/20/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

132nd Legislature

Bill Summary

This bill establishes a system for automatically sealing criminal history record information associated with criminal convictions for certain crimes, provided that certain conditions are met. Automatic sealing refers to the process established by the bill by which criminal history record information related to qualifying convictions must be sealed and the dissemination of that information limited consistent with the requirements of the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 15, section 2265, without the need to file a petition to seal the information. Under the bill, the Administrative Office of the Courts must routinely examine electronic case records and compile a list of criminal history record information that qualifies for automatic sealing under this legislation and provide that list to the appropriate courts to issue a sealing order. The bill provides a list of criminal convictions for which automatic sealing may be available. The underlying crimes include all Class E crimes except for sexual offenses; all Class D crimes except for certain crimes, such as certain violent crimes or certain offenses against a family member; certain Class D or Class E drug crimes committed prior to January 30, 2017; and other specified drug crimes. The bill provides that for an eligible criminal conviction to be automatically sealed, 5 years must have passed since the date of conviction for a Class D or Class E crime. For a Class A, Class B or Class C crime, 10 years must have passed since the date of conviction and the person who is the subject of the criminal history record information must have completed the person's sentence, including any period of supervised release. The criminal history record information is not eligible for sealing if the person who is the subject of the criminal history record information has been convicted of any other crimes in the time elapsed since the person satisfied the sentencing requirements of the eligible criminal conviction.

AI Summary

This bill establishes a comprehensive system for automatically sealing certain criminal history record information, creating a process by which eligible criminal convictions can be sealed without requiring a manual petition. The bill defines "eligible criminal convictions" as including most Class E crimes (except sexual offenses), most Class D crimes (with significant exceptions for violent or domestic violence-related offenses), certain drug-related crimes, and specific marijuana cultivation offenses. To qualify for automatic sealing, different time periods must elapse since the conviction: 5 years for Class D or Class E crimes, and 10 years for Class A, B, or C crimes, during which the individual must have completed their entire sentence and not been convicted of any additional crimes. The Administrative Office of the Courts will be responsible for monthly examinations of electronic case records to identify qualifying cases, after which the appropriate courts will issue sealing orders. Once sealed, the criminal history record information's dissemination will be limited, and individuals can legally respond to inquiries about sealed convictions by not disclosing them, with protections against potential sanctions. The automatic sealing process is set to begin on January 1, 2027, and is designed to provide a pathway for individuals with certain past criminal convictions to have their records sealed, potentially reducing long-term barriers to employment, housing, and other opportunities.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (7)

Last Action

Voted: Divided Report (on 02/25/2026)

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