Wisconsin workers with criminal records will now have a second chance thanks to a recent expungement proposal.
Senate Bill 39, introduced by Senator Alberta Darling, and Assembly Bill 33, introduced by Representative David Steffen, would expand opportunities to expunge criminal records under certain conditions described in the proposal, including:
- Remove the current requirement limiting eligibility for expungement to individuals under the age of 25.
- Allow individuals to petition for expungement after completing their sentences rather than only at sentencing hearings.
- Make the changes retroactive to apply to past convictions.
In a 9-1 vote, the Assembly Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety voted to recommend passage, and the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety recommended passage in a 4-1.
The legislation does not change current law regarding crimes eligible for expungement.
