Michigan House Bill HB6225

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/4/24
• Refer: 12/4/24

Caption

Criminal procedure: expunction; procedures and eligibility for the expungement of certain records; provide for. Amends secs. 1b, 1c, 1d, 2 & 3 of 1965 PA 213 (MCL 780.621b et seq.); adds sec. 1j & repeals sec. 4 of 1965 PA 213 (MCL 780.624).

Impact

One of the significant impacts of HB6225 follows its amendments to how petitions are treated regarding multiple convictions. By establishing a clearer path for those whose offenses occurred close in time to be treated as singular convictions, advocates believe this could enhance opportunities for rehabilitation. The legislation also continues to exclude certain serious crimes from eligibility for expungement, which includes offenses that would categorically remain visible on one’s record regardless of the time elapsed since the offense.

Summary

House Bill 6225 aims to amend Michigan's laws concerning the expungement of criminal records, specifically addressing the procedures and eligibility for setting aside certain convictions. The bill modifies existing provisions in 1965 PA 213, focusing on how multiple offenses committed within a short time frame should be treated as a single offense for the purposes of expungement. This change seeks to facilitate reintegration of individuals into society by allowing prior offenses to potentially be erased when they have not resulted in serious crimes as specified in the legislation.

Contention

Notably, the bill faces contention regarding its balance between public safety and second chances. Opponents argue that allowing expungement too freely risks diminishing the seriousness of certain offenses, particularly violent crimes. Proponents, however, assert that successful rehabilitation should lead to the restoration of rights and benefits to encourage societal re-integration. The debate centers on the ethical implications of record expungement and its potential effects on crime prevention and victim rights.