Legislation aimed at creating an automatic expungement process for certain low-level convictions in Kentucky advanced in the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday.
Senate Bill 290, sponsored by Chair Brandon Storm, would establish a new system allowing eligible misdemeanors and Class D felony convictions to be cleared from an individual’s record without requiring a formal court petition. The measure is designed to streamline the current expungement process while maintaining key safeguards.
During testimony, Brittanie Bogard, a Hopkinsville City Council member and justice-involved individual, shared how expungement access helped her rebuild her life and move forward.
“When I was finally able to access expungement, it changed everything… it allowed me to work, to go back to school, to provide for my children and to serve my community,” Bogard said.
She also emphasized the challenges many still face navigating the current system.
“The biggest barrier isn’t willingness to change — it’s the system. It’s complicated, it’s expensive and out of reach for too many people who have already done everything right,” she said.
Kentucky Chamber Senior Vice President of Public Affairs Kate Shanks pointed to the workforce implications, noting the Chamber’s longstanding engagement on expungement policy.
“We have to not just create jobs, but make sure we have the people to fill the jobs,” Shanks said, adding that the legislation builds on previous efforts by the General Assembly and reflects an opportunity to further strengthen the system.
Adam Haley, senior director of external affairs for Goodwill Kentucky, also highlighted the economic and workforce implications, pointing to measurable outcomes tied to expungement.
“We see a 10% increase in workforce participation and an average earnings increase of about $6,000 following expungement,” Haley said.
He noted that more than 1 million Kentuckians have a criminal record and that streamlining the process could help more individuals reenter the workforce and contribute to the state’s economy.
Under the bill, courts would begin identifying qualifying convictions and initiating expungement on a regular basis, with prosecutors and victims provided an opportunity to review and object before records are cleared. The legislation also removes filing and expungement fees for eligible cases.
The automatic expungement process would apply to qualifying offenses committed on or after January 1, 2027, with implementation beginning in 2032 as the state builds the necessary infrastructure.
The measure passed the Senate Judiciary Committee on a vote of 6-1, with one member passing, and now moves to the full Senate for consideration.
Be the first to comment on "Expungement Legislation Advances in Senate Judiciary Committee"