Publication: United Press International
A proposal making its way through the California Assembly would automatically seal low-level criminal records -- part of a growing effort by several states to give offenders a better chance at reform.
The bill would affect millions of Californians whose prior rap sheets present significant social obstacles. AB 1076 would ensure the automatic secrecy of records for certain offenders who have completed their sentences. If passed, the law would take effect Jan. 1, 2021.
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"Because of cost, time or complexity, they don't get their records expunged," Assembly member Phil Ting, the bill's author, told UPI.
Automating the process, he said, will help free former offenders from these "paper prisons." He also said the change would save money on both ends. Right now, it costs people about $3,700 to seal their record -- compared to zero under the new plan.
"The big difference is the state bears that cost, not the individual," Ting said, adding the plan is a good investment for the state because more sealed records would mean fewer people depending on government assistance.