Politics & Government
Rhode Island Expungement Expansion Bill Passes Through Legislature
The proposed law would enable people to qualify for expungement of up to four felonies.
PROVIDENCE, RI — A Rhode Island bill to expand expungement was approved by the state legislature.
"Currently, first-time offenders qualify to have a felony expunged 10 years after completing their sentence if it is the only criminal charge on their record," according to a media release.
The proposed law would enable people to qualify for expungement of up to four felonies, but only for nonviolent offenses and not until 15 years after they have completed their final sentence, according to the release.
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"There are numerous crimes that would not be eligible for expungement, such as child endangerment, elder abuse and driving under the influence," the release said.
“People make mistakes in their lives and if they take responsibility for their actions and turn their lives around for the better, they should not be penalized for their entire lives, state Rep. Robert E. Craven Sr., D-North Kingstown, one of the legislators who sponsored the bill, said in the release.
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"This legislation will help people who sincerely want a fresh start to better their lives and contribute meaningfully to their community, and it’s the right and compassionate thing to do,” Craven said.
“A criminal record, even for relatively minor crimes, can be a life sentence of poverty, housing insecurity, unemployment and poor job prospects, and numerous other problems," state Sen. Jacob E. Bissaillon, D-Providence, who also sponsored the bill, said in the release.
"Expungement is an important tool for enabling our justice system to be truly rehabilitative," Bissaillon said.
"Allowing a wider group of people to access it will restore pathways to better lives and stronger communities, enabling so many more people to meet their needs and those of their families. Expungement is more than a justice issue," he said. "It’s a housing issue, an economic development issue, a crime prevention issue and a community building issue.”
The bill now goes to Gov. Dan McKee for his consideration.
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