Allows expungement of multiple felony convictions for non-violent felonies10 years from the date of conviction.

Rhode Island Bill Summary: Expungement of Multiple Non-Violent Felony Convictions

This bill would change Rhode Island's current laws on expungement — the legal process of sealing or clearing a criminal record — to allow people with multiple non-violent felony convictions to have those records expunged. Under the bill, a person would become eligible to apply for expungement 10 years after the date of their conviction, as long as the felonies were non-violent in nature.

Currently, Rhode Island law places significant restrictions on who can seek expungement, particularly for people with more than one felony conviction. This bill would expand access to record-clearing for people who have completed their sentences and have stayed out of trouble for at least a decade. Once a record is expunged, it is generally sealed from public view, which can make it easier for a person to find housing, employment, and educational opportunities.

This bill primarily affects Rhode Islanders who have past non-violent felony convictions on their records. It would not apply to violent crimes. People who have served their time and waited the required 10-year period would have a legal pathway to move forward without their criminal history following them in everyday life. Employers, landlords, and others who conduct background checks would no longer see those expunged records.

As of now, the bill has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee, which has recommended it be held for further study, meaning it has not yet advanced toward a full vote.