Bipartisan legislation seeks to streamline Michigan’s expungement process

State Rep. Graham Filler at the bipartisan expungement press conference in Detroit, Sept. 9, 2019 | Ken Coleman

A bipartisan plan proposing to amend Michigan’s Clean Slate expungement process has been introduced.

Put forward last week by state Reps. Graham Filler (R-Duplain Twp.) and Kara Hope (D-Holt), the two-bill package is aimed at simplifying the petition process and eliminating unnecessary delays so that more Michigan residents can benefit from the expungement process.

“Clean Slate was always meant to be a second chance for people who have paid their debt to society, but the way the law is currently interpreted creates unnecessary hurdles,” Filler said. “If someone is trying to turn their life around, we shouldn’t be making them jump through more hoops than necessary. Our plan will fix that.”

House Bills 5957 and 5958 would address convictions that occur during the waiting period between an original conviction and expungement eligibility. Currently, any conviction during that time period requires a separate expungement application.

Because nearly 70% of Project Clean Slate clients have convictions in the waiting period, they are required to submit multiple applications, which Filler says is costly, time-consuming, and creates a backlog for the court system, adding extra work for agencies and delays for individuals.

“For many people, expungement means a fresh start – access to better jobs, housing, and educational opportunities,” Filler said. “Delays in the process can hold them back from seizing these opportunities and improving their lives. Our bills will ensure that one application covers all eligible convictions, simplifying the process for everyone.”

A request for comment on the legislation was sent to the office of Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, but has yet to be returned.

House Bills 5957 and 5958 will allow individuals seeking expungement to file a single application for all eligible convictions. They were both referred to the House Criminal Justice Committee for consideration.

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