Fresh Start Act 2025: Automatic Criminal Record Expungement
The Fresh Start Act of 2025 aims to simplify the process for citizens to have their criminal records expunged or sealed. It establishes a grant program for states to modernize their systems, enabling automatic record clearing without individuals needing to apply. This will help eligible individuals with past criminal records to reintegrate into society more quickly, removing barriers related to fees or bureaucracy.
Key points
Establishes a grant program for states to modernize criminal justice data infrastructure.
Facilitates automatic expungement or sealing of criminal records without individual action.
Prohibits delays in record clearing due to unpaid fees or fines.
Requires states to report data on individuals benefiting, disaggregated by race, ethnicity, and gender.
Introduced
Additional Information
Print number: 119_S_2590
Sponsor: Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD]
Process start date: 2025-07-31