State Rep. Graham Filler has introduced a bipartisan plan to fix issues within Michigan’s Clean Slate expungement process.

The legislation, sponsored by Filler (R-Duplain Township) and Rep. Kara Hope (D-Holt), will simplify the petition process, eliminate unnecessary delays, and help more Michigan residents benefit from the opportunities that expungement can provide.

“Clean Slate was always meant to be a second chance for people who have paid their debt to society, but the way the law is currently interpreted creates unnecessary hurdles,” Filler said. “If someone is trying to turn their life around, we shouldn’t be making them jump through more hoops than necessary. Our plan will fix that.”

House Bills 5957 and 5958 fix a major issue in the current system: how convictions during the waiting period between an original conviction and expungement eligibility are handled. Under the current law, any conviction during this time requires a separate expungement application, which causes delays and extra paperwork.

Nearly 70% of Project Clean Slate clients have convictions in this waiting period, forcing them to submit multiple applications. This process is costly, time-consuming, and creates a backlog for the court system, adding extra work for agencies and delays for individuals.

Filler emphasized the importance of removing these barriers.

“For many people, expungement means a fresh start – access to better jobs, housing, and educational opportunities,” Filler said. “Delays in the process can hold them back from seizing these opportunities and improving their lives. Our bills will ensure that one application covers all eligible convictions, simplifying the process for everyone.”

House Bills 5957 and 5958 will allow individuals seeking expungement to file a single application for all eligible convictions, ensuring a more efficient, fair, and streamlined process for both residents and the judicial system that processes the applications.

House Bills 5957 and 5958 were referred to the House Criminal Justice Committee for consideration.

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