On September 13, 2024, a new Arizona record clearance law will significantly increase the number of people eligible to seal their criminal records in the state. The bill represents a significant step forward in addressing systemic racism, breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty, and enhancing opportunities for employment and housing for those with criminal records.
Key Changes and Their Impact
The "Bill of Hope" introduces several key changes to make record sealing more accessible and meaningful to people in Arizona:
- Progressive Sealing: Individuals can now petition to seal records as they become eligible, rather than waiting for all records to meet eligibility criteria. This change allows for a more gradual and achievable path to a clean slate.
- Shorter Waiting Periods: The new law clarifies that individuals with multiple felony cases do not have to wait an additional five years from the latest felony waiting period to be eligible for sealing. This clarification helps individuals with multiple felony records become eligible for expungement sooner.
- Consideration for Fingerprint Clearance: A previously sealed record will now be considered a “mitigating factor” when determining eligibility for an Arizona fingerprint clearance card. This an help more Arizonans obtain fingerprint clearance, and potentially open up more employment opportunities.
The Bigger Picture
The "Bill of Hope" received bipartisan support in the Arizona Legislature. This consensus across party lines shows the widespread recognition of the need for good criminal justice policies that help improve the lives of working families, promote public safety, and get people back to work.
These changes are more than just legal adjustments; they represent a shift towards a more equitable society. By simplifying the record sealing process, Arizona is taking a stand against the long-lasting impacts of criminal records on individuals' lives. This legislation is important because even if an individual can't clear everything right away, it can create hope and motivate someone to begin working toward a clean slate.
Looking Ahead
While the "Bill of Hope" is a significant step forward, it's just the beginning. Organizations like Rasa Legal are at the forefront of criminal justice reform, , committed to simplifying the record sealing process and empowering individuals to move beyond their past mistakes.
This legislation represents a step forward for public safety and the economy, providing more opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration for the more than two million individuals with criminal records in Arizona.
Taking Action
The passage of the "Bill of Hope" marks a new chapter in Arizona's approach to criminal justice. By providing more accessible paths to record sealing, the state is not only offering second chances to individuals but also investing in the broader social and economic health of its communities.
For Arizonans looking to understand how they are impacted by these laws, help is out there! Use our eligibility tool to discover your options in under three minutes.
