Sen. Paul Asks Kentucky General Assembly to Pass Expungement Legislation

Statement

Sen. Rand Paul today said he supports efforts in the Kentucky General Assembly to pass legislation that would allow some nonviolent, low-level felons in the Commonwealth to ask courts to expunge their records.

"I believe that an individual should have the opportunity for redemption," said Sen. Paul. "One mistake should not keep someone from being able to seek employment and build a better future. Those who have paid their debt to society should be able to take the steps they need to move forward with their lives."

A bill has been filed in the General Assembly this year addressing the expungement issue. House Bill 40, filed by State Reps. Daryl Owens (D-Louisville) and Larry Clark (D-Louisville), would expand the scope of expungements to include felonies referred to a grand jury where no indictment ensues, as well as to Class D felonies.

Last year, Sen. Paul introduced the bipartisan REDEEM Act with U.S. Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.). The bill allows nonviolent adult ex-offenders to petition a court to seal their criminal record a year after their release from jail.

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