Authorizes the automatic expungement of eligible conviction records by operation of law, initiated and completed by state agencies through electronic processes established within the judicial system.

Rhode Island Clean Slate Act: Plain-English Summary

This bill would create a system in Rhode Island where certain criminal conviction records are automatically erased — or "expunged" — without requiring the person to file any paperwork or go to court. Under the current system, people with eligible criminal records must navigate a legal process on their own to request expungement. This bill would change that by having state agencies handle the entire process electronically, built into the existing court system.

The people most directly affected are Rhode Islanders who have past criminal convictions that qualify for expungement under state law. Many of these individuals may not know they are eligible for expungement, may lack the resources to hire a lawyer, or may find the current process too complicated or time-consuming. By making expungement automatic, the bill aims to remove those barriers so that eligible records are cleared without any action required from the individual.

Having a criminal record expunged can make a significant practical difference in a person's life, potentially making it easier to find employment, secure housing, or apply for professional licenses. It's worth noting that not all criminal records would qualify — the bill applies only to "eligible" convictions, meaning certain types of offenses or those meeting specific criteria under Rhode Island law would still be excluded.

The bill has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee, which has recommended it be held for further study, meaning it has not yet advanced toward becoming law. A hearing is currently scheduled for March 2026.