Maine Legislature passes Sen. Talbot Ross bill to seal criminal history record information for low-level offenses

AUGUSTA – On Tuesday, April 14, the Maine Legislature enacted a bill from Sen. Rachel Talbot Ross, D-Portland, to seal criminal records for certain low-level offenses after remaining crime-free for five years. LD 1911, “An Act to Automatically Seal Criminal History Record Information for Certain Crimes,” will create a “clean slate” system for less severe or outdated convictions. The bill now goes to the Governor’s desk for her signature.

“This bill, if signed by Gov. Mills, will be a step in the right direction in recognizing Mainers who have paid their debt to society and wish to claim their lives back without fear of being penalized for life,” said Sen. Talbot Ross. “LD 1911 will defend public safety and address Maine’s workforce shortage by allowing populations of people to overcome common barriers to entering the workforce. This will ultimately elevate Maine’s economy and communities and better serve our people as they return to society. I would like to thank the Clean Slate Maine Coalition for their support and collaboration in proposing this bill.”

One out of every four Mainers has an arrest or conviction record. LD 1911 would create an automated system to seal a limited number of low-level arrest or conviction records for individuals who meet specific requirements and have remained crime-free for a period of five years, eliminating barriers found in the petition-based process and giving a shot at redemption for those who have earned it. An estimated 123,000 Mainers would receive full record clearance once the legislation is fully implemented, opening doors of opportunity for better employment, quality housing and strengthened Maine families.

Under LD 1911, eligible offenses for automatic sealing would include convictions for most current and former Class D and E crimes, with a number of exceptions, including stalking and many domestic violence-related crimes. Eligible conviction records would no longer be accessible through public record searches used to screen out people for employment, housing and other opportunities. Law enforcement would continue to retain its access for public safety purposes.

The Governor has 10 days following final passage to sign the bill, veto it or allow it to go into law without her signature.

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