SB1770: New Law Makes Clearing Criminal Records Easier- A Fresh Start For Many Okies

Public safety vs. second chances: debate over new expungement law

This article was written with the assistance of ai software*

Photo bylholtz1023

What does SB1770 want to accomplish?

This bill is about clearing or hiding criminal records in Oklahoma.

Here’s what it means in simple terms:

• Clearing Criminal Records: The bill explains which criminal records can be hidden from the public or erased completely.
• Electronic Reports: Certain reports about clearing records must be sent electronically.
• Multiple Records: People can ask to clear multiple criminal records at the same time in one request.
• No Prior Offense: In some situations, a past crime won’t be counted against someone if they’re charged with a new crime.
• DNA Testing: The bill changes some rules about DNA test results and requires a report to be sent to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI).

Overall, the goal is to make it easier for people to clear their criminal records if they are eligible.

Who benefits from this law?

✔️Individuals with Criminal Records: People who qualify can have their criminal records hidden or erased, helping them move on with their lives without the burden of a criminal past.

✔️Job Seekers: Those with expunged or sealed records will have better chances of finding employment since their past offenses won't show up in background checks.

✔️Students: Individuals applying for education or scholarships can benefit, as they won't be judged based on their past criminal records.

✔️Housing Applicants: People looking for housing can benefit because landlords won't see their criminal records, making it easier to find a place to live.

✔️Families: Families of those with cleared records can benefit from improved opportunities and stability for their loved ones.

✔️Community: The community can benefit from reintegrating individuals who are more likely to contribute positively without the stigma of a criminal record.

✔️Legal System: The legal system benefits from a more streamlined process for handling multiple expungements in a single petition.

✔️Employers: Employers can benefit from a larger pool of candidates who are now eligible for jobs due to their records being cleared.

✔️Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI): The OSBI benefits from receiving organized and updated information through the required electronic submissions.

✔️Society: Overall, society benefits as individuals with cleared records are more likely to lead productive lives and contribute positively.

What are some concerns people might have about this law?

⚠️Public Safety Concerns: Some people might worry that clearing criminal records could make it harder to know if someone has a history of criminal behavior, potentially putting the public at risk.

⚠️Repeat Offenders: If past offenses are hidden, it might be more challenging to identify repeat offenders and take appropriate legal actions.

⚠️Legal System Burden: The process of handling multiple expungement requests in a single petition could create additional workload and complexity for the legal system.

⚠️Employer Challenges: Employers might have a harder time conducting thorough background checks, which could affect their ability to make informed hiring decisions.

⚠️Resource Allocation: Implementing the new electronic submission requirements and updating statutory language might require additional resources and funding.

⚠️Inconsistent Application: There could be inconsistencies in how the law is applied, leading to some individuals being treated differently than others.

⚠️Potential for Abuse: Some individuals might attempt to abuse the system by repeatedly applying for expungement or using the process to hide serious offenses.

⚠️Impact on Victims: Victims of crimes might feel that justice is not being served if offenders can easily clear their records.

⚠️Administrative Challenges: The requirement for electronic submissions and updates might pose technical and administrative challenges for some agencies.

⚠️Limited Access to Information: Law enforcement and criminal justice agencies might face difficulties accessing necessary information if records are sealed or expunged.

This bill was signed into law on May 1, 2024 and goes into effect on November 1, 2024.

➡️Is this something that you think Oklahomans need? Will it benefit the county you live in?

*********************************************
Hi, I'm Judy! I love talking about the area I live in and what affects us. Follow me if you'd like more stories like this.