Criminal conviction; expungement of record upon showing opportunities for employment are prejudiced. (HB1813)

Introduced By

Sen. Joe Morrissey (D-Richmond) with support from co-patrons Del. Mamye BaCote (D-Newport News), Del. Al Eisenberg (D-Arlington), and Del. Jeion Ward (D-Hampton)

Progress

Introduced
Passed Committee
Passed House
Passed Senate
Signed by Governor
Became Law

Description

Expungement of criminal conviction record. Allows a person convicted of a criminal offense to have his conviction expunged after eight years has expired following the conviction, upon a showing that his opportunities for employment, education, or professional licensure are prejudiced by the existence of the criminal record. Expungement would not be available for someone convicted of a violent felony, a DUI-related offense, an offense for which registration on the sex offender registry is required, or domestic violence. Read the Bill »

Outcome

Bill Has Failed

History

DateAction
01/12/2009Committee
01/12/2009Prefiled and ordered printed; offered 01/14/09 090402653
01/12/2009Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
01/16/2009Assigned Courts sub: Criminal
01/28/2009Impact statement from DPB (HB1813)
01/29/2009Subcommittee recommends passing by indefinitely by voice vote
02/10/2009Left in Courts of Justice

Comments

Denny Gaulden writes:

This bill will give hope and assist those unfortunate individuals whom committed minor
offenses including DUI to gain employment, enter the military, or otherwise become involved in their communities instead of being protrayed as a convicted felony offender. No one is without sin...forgiveness is the best way to start over.

bnva writes:

It seems like a bill headed in the right direction, however, it should include expungement for non-violent sex offenders, if a S.O is not a threat to society they to should be given a second chance at a fair life.

jessica writes:

Everyone deserves a second chance! We all make mistakes.

Nonprofit NoVA, tracking this bill in Photosynthesis, notes:

Support

Freddie Robinson writes:

This is a bill that should have been introduced years ago. I think that it is wonderful that someone finally stood up and fight for the rights of people who made a mistake in the past and have been ostracized by society because of it. I sincerely hope that it passes.

William writes:

Great bill. It will allow a lot of people to move on with their lives and not have a felony conviction attached to everything that they aspire to do. What took you so long??? Keep up the good work, Joe.

Drew Barrett writes:

Held up in committee, hopefully Morrissey returns with this bill and gives it another go. Virginia's "permanent record" way of doing things is out of line with other states and is unfair to many job-seekers. But what are the chances that the congress actually passes something that we care about, ever?