Posted: | May 4, 2016 02:56 PM |
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From: | Representative Ed Gainey |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Expungement for Non-Violent Felony Convictions |
As we have seen recently, much attention has been given by this body and other state legislatures to address the growing problem of criminal record expungement for those who are deserving of a fresh start and who have effectively demonstrated that their past mistakes do not define them. I firmly believe there is a growing number of individuals who fit the above description who also have a felony record which haunts them and who, despite all odds, have transformed themselves into worthwhile community members. In the near future I will be introducing legislation that would effectively expand expungement for certain eligible individuals in PA, specifically those who have been convicted of a non-violent felony. Parameters for eligibility for expungement are as follows:
Felony non-violent convictions are just as worthy for expungement as lower grade convictions (Summary through M-1). In fact, I would argue they are more necessary, because of the stigma attached to a felony attached to an individual’s record. If they have proved to be a productive member of society, their community and their family, expungement is the only logical answer. Please consider co-sponsoring this legislation. |
Introduced as HB2068