California advances broadest US law sealing criminal records

By DON THOMPSON
Associated Press

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California would have what proponents call the nation’s most sweeping law sealing criminal records if Gov. Gavin Newsom signs legislation approved by state legislators. The bill approved Thursday would automatically seal conviction and arrest records for most ex-offenders who aren’t convicted of another felony for four years after completing their sentences and any parole or probation. It excludes those convicted of serious and violent felonies, and felonies requiring sex offender registration. Proponents say about 8 million Californians have a criminal or arrest record. They estimate that 70 million people nationwide face nearly 50,000 legal restrictions based on a criminal or arrest record.