During the recent government meeting on February 27, 2024, significant progress was made regarding expungement legislation in Utah. A key decision was made to consolidate two separate expungement bills into one comprehensive Senate bill, aimed at streamlining the expungement process for individuals seeking relief from criminal records.

Senator Stevenson and another senator agreed to merge their efforts, resulting in a single expungement bill that introduces crucial changes. One of the most impactful updates is the establishment of a 35-day timeline for prosecutors to review and object to 402 motions, which currently lack a defined objection period. This change is expected to provide greater certainty for individuals seeking expungement, preventing cases from lingering indefinitely.

Additionally, the new bill will allow petitioners to obtain certified copies of their expungements directly, addressing a current issue where individuals must file separate motions to unseal records after an expungement is granted. This simplification is anticipated to ease the burden on individuals navigating the expungement process.

The legislation also clarifies that a certificate of eligibility is not required for traffic convictions, which is expected to alleviate the backlog at the Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) that has arisen since automatic expungements were implemented.

Furthermore, the bill will enable individuals who are no longer on the sex offender registry to petition for expungement, expanding access to relief for those affected.

This consolidated expungement bill represents a significant step forward in reforming Utah's criminal justice system, aiming to enhance the lives of individuals seeking to move past their criminal records. As the bill progresses, it is poised to bring about meaningful changes that will benefit many in the community.