Bill > HB2954

This bill establishes a "clean slate" expungement process in Missouri, allowing certain criminal records to be automatically closed or "expunged" without requiring individuals to file a petition. Starting August 28, 2029, records for eligible offenses, which include infractions, misdemeanors, and certain felonies, will be automatically closed if specific waiting periods have passed since the "final disposition" (completion of sentence, probation, and restitution, excluding fines) and no new offenses have been committed. There are limitations on the number of felonies and misdemeanors that can be expunged in a lifetime, and certain offenses, like those involving juvenile adjudications or driving under the influence, are not eligible. The bill also outlines procedures for identifying eligible records, allowing prosecuting agencies to object to expungements under specific circumstances, and mandates that courts issue expungement orders. Additionally, it creates a dedicated fund for the implementation and costs associated with these expungement provisions and restricts credit bureaus from reporting certain criminal records beyond seven years from their final disposition. Importantly, while expunged records are generally considered as if they never happened, they can still be used in specific legal contexts, such as determining sentences for subsequent offenses or for law enforcement investigations.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2954&year=2026&code=R