Signed by Governor Tom Wolf

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes limited access to individuals' criminal history in certain circumstances.

Highlights:

• Authorizes courts to order limited access to the criminal history of an individual for qualifying misdemeanors and unclassified offenses carrying a sentence of 5 years or less in prison, provided that the following qualifications are met (Sec. 2):

• The individual has not been convicted of any offense carrying a sentence of 1 year or more in prison for at least 10 years;

• The individual has no remaining financial obligations related to a conviction; and

• The individual petitions the court.

• Specifies that qualifying offenses include, but are not limited to, the following (Sec. 2):

• Misdemeanors of the third or second degree;

• Charges that resulted in an outcome other than conviction; and

• Summary convictions where 10 years have passed and financial obligations have been complete.

• Defines “limited access” as transmissions of criminal history that are only between law enforcement agencies, to a county child and youth authority, or to the Department of Human Services (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes limited access to individuals' criminal history in certain circumstances.

Highlights:

• Authorizes courts to order limited access to the criminal history of an individual for qualifying misdemeanors and unclassified offenses carrying a sentence of 5 years or less in prison, provided that the following qualifications are met (Sec. 2):

• The individual has not been convicted of any offense carrying a sentence of 1 year or more in prison for at least 10 years;

• The individual has no remaining financial obligations related to a conviction; and

• The individual petitions the court.

• Specifies that qualifying offenses include, but are not limited to, the following (Sec. 2):

• Misdemeanors of the third or second degree;

• Charges that resulted in an outcome other than conviction; and

• Summary convictions where 10 years have passed and financial obligations have been complete.

• Defines “limited access” as transmissions of criminal history that are only between law enforcement agencies, to a county child and youth authority, or to the Department of Human Services (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text