Allows expungement of multiple felony convictions for non-violent felonies10 years after sentence completed.
Summary
S0281 amends Rhode Island’s expungement law to expand who may seek to clear criminal records. Under current law, expungement is generally available to first offenders and, in some cases, to people with limited misdemeanor histories. This bill adds a new pathway for people with more than one felony conviction, so long as they have not been convicted of a felony that is classified as a crime of violence and the offenses are not among certain excluded chapter 29 offenses. Those eligible could file a motion to expunge felony records after 10 years from the completion of their last sentence.
The bill also retains and clarifies existing expungement rules for first offenders, deferred sentences, misdemeanor convictions, and offenses that have since been decriminalized. It requires notice to the attorney general and the original arresting police department, and it preserves the court’s discretion to grant expungement only after considering rehabilitation, good moral character, the absence of pending cases, and the public interest. For decriminalized offenses, the bill directs courts to order expungement without cost to the petitioner once sentence conditions and financial obligations are satisfied.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would amend Rhode Island General Laws chapter 12-1.3 by broadening expungement eligibility to include certain people with multiple non-violent felony convictions after a 10-year waiting period. It would also codify a separate process for expunging convictions for offenses that have been decriminalized, and it would continue to bar expungement for crimes of violence and certain excluded offenses. The practical effect would be to increase access to record clearing for some people with more extensive criminal histories, while leaving judicial discretion and public-safety exclusions in place.
Sentiment
The available bill materials suggest a generally reform-oriented, pro-expungement posture. The bill title and explanation emphasize second chances and record relief for non-violent offenses, and there is no recorded committee transcript or vote history indicating opposition or amendment debate. Based on the text alone, the measure appears designed to expand rehabilitation opportunities while maintaining restrictions for violent offenses and other excluded crimes.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely to be whether people with multiple felony convictions should be eligible for expungement at all, even after a long waiting period. Supporters would likely focus on rehabilitation, reintegration, and the benefits of removing barriers to employment and housing for people with old non-violent convictions. Opponents would likely raise public-safety concerns, argue that multiple felony convictions should remain visible, or object to expunging records for offenses involving repeated criminal conduct. The bill itself addresses some of these concerns by excluding crimes of violence, certain chapter 29 offenses, and by preserving court discretion.