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Last updated on Friday, February 7, 2014
(UNDATED) - People with a criminal record may find it easier to erase that history under a measure making its way through the Indiana Legislature.
Maureen Hayden, CNHI Statehouse Bureau Chief reports, a bill passed last week by the House would loosen restrictions in the state's "Second Chance" law, which took effect last summer, to make it easier for ex-offenders to find employment. The new measure simplifies the process for requesting that records be erased, and it waives court fees for indigent applicants.
Those who stand to benefit most are people with an old arrest or conviction for a low-level, non-violent crime in their past.
Last year the General Assembly passed the state's first-ever expungement law for convictions of multiple types of offenses. The bill's passage came after more than a decade of debate on the issue.
Those with a criminal history must show they've stayed out of trouble for number of years. Limits remain on what can be erased from one's criminal record - sex and violent crimes are not eligible.
The House bill now moves to the state Senate.
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