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Bill > LD1917
ME LD1917
ME LD1917An Act to Allow the Sealing of Criminal History Record Information Related to Convictions for Conduct That Is No Longer a Crime in the State
summary
Introduced
05/06/2025
05/06/2025
In Committee
05/21/2025
05/21/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
132nd Legislature
Bill Summary
This bill is reported out by the Joint Standing Committee on Judiciary to implement statutory changes recommended by the Criminal Records Review Committee established in Resolve 2023, chapter 103. The joint standing committee has not taken a position on the substance of this bill. By reporting this bill out, the joint standing committee is not suggesting and does not intend to suggest that it agrees or disagrees with any aspect of this bill; instead, the joint standing committee is reporting the bill out for the sole purpose of having a bill printed that can be referred to the joint standing committee for an appropriate public hearing and subsequent processing in the normal course. The joint standing committee is taking this action to ensure clarity and transparency in the legislative review of the proposals contained in the bill. The bill allows a person to file a post-judgment motion to seal criminal history record information related to a conviction for conduct that subsequent to the conviction is no longer a crime. The bill also eliminates the waiting period required before a person may file a post-judgment motion to seal criminal history record information for any conviction for conduct that subsequent to the conviction is no longer a crime.
AI Summary
This bill modifies Maine's criminal record sealing laws by expanding the definition of an "eligible criminal conviction" to include convictions for conduct that is no longer considered a crime under state law. Specifically, the bill adds a new category to existing criminal record sealing provisions, allowing individuals to immediately file a post-judgment motion to seal their criminal history record for convictions related to actions that have since been decriminalized. Previously, individuals seeking to seal criminal records typically had to wait at least 4 years after fully satisfying their sentencing requirements. The new provision eliminates this waiting period for convictions involving conduct that is no longer criminalized, making it easier for individuals to clear their records for actions that are no longer considered illegal. This change reflects a growing trend of recognizing that criminal records can create significant barriers to employment, housing, and other opportunities, particularly when the underlying conduct is no longer considered a criminal offense.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (0)
No sponsors listed
Last Action
Carried over, in the same posture, to any special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 800. (on 06/25/2025)
bill text
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1917&snum=132 |
| Fiscal Note: Text | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/bills_132nd/fiscalpdfs/FN191701.pdf |
| BillText | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/getPDF.asp?paper=HP1278&item=1&snum=132 |
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