HCS/SCS/SB 251 - This act allows a person who has been convicted of no more than one felony or two misdemeanors, or both, to petition to have such person's criminal record sealed if the person has not been convicted: 1) for at least ten years after release for a misdemeanor offense; or 2) for at least fifteen years after release for a felony offense. Convictions for violent felonies and sex-related offenses (both defined) may not be sealed.

A person who fails to seal, or releases, information ordered sealed commits a Class B misdemeanor. A person who uses sealed records for financial gain commits a Class D felony.

A person who has criminal records sealed shall not bring any subsequent action against any person or agency relating to such conviction.

No person who petitions to seal criminal records may be employed by any gambling operation licensed in Missouri.

ARREST RECORDS: In addition to current procedures available to expunge arrest records, a court may expunge an arrest record if no criminal charges have been filed against the subject of the arrest within 10 years after such arrest.

JAMES KLAHR