This bill would modify and expand eligibility requirements for certain misdemeanors and state jail felonies to qualify for orders of nondisclosure of criminal history information. The bill would expand eligibility to petition for nondisclosure of criminal history information for certain offenses and modify procedures for certain offenses for which nondisclosure is already permissible.

This bill would increase the number of people who are eligible for orders of non-disclosure of criminal history information. A criminal history record can harshly impact the lifetime potential earnings for those who have them. In addition, their ability to find housing and to qualify for occupational licenses are greatly reduced. The economic and social consequences of a criminal record in this modern era are far greater than they were even a generation ago and it is prudent to make sure that we do not leave people with an unintended lifetime penalty that is disproportionate to the offense for which they were convicted. We support orders of nondisclosure for certain crimes, especially nonviolent offenses, because it satisfies our commitment to limited government and individual liberty.