More than 8 million California residents could get their criminal records sealed under a new bill aimed at helping offenders more easily find employment and housing.
According to the National Institute of Justice, people with criminal records are 50 percent less likely to get a job offer than those without one.
AB 1076 would wipe the slate clean (at no cost) for residents with misdemeanor and non-violent offenses, leaving the information only visible to law enforcement, judges and investigators. Currently, it costs roughly $3,700 to expunge a criminal record.
Anyone who has to register as a sex offender or has violated their probation would not be eligible.
The bill is expected to pass both houses and be signed by Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, taking effect Jan. 1, 2021.
Read more about the bill here.
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