Assembly members voiced support for a bill aimed at easing restrictions on expungements with a goal of filling more jobs in the state.
Assembly Bill 33 would remove the current time restriction for expungement petitions to be brought forward. Currently, a defendant is only able to petition for expungement at the time of the sentencing. Under the proposed bill, a defendant would be allowed to petition to the circuit court at a later time.
Additionally, expungements are currently only allowed to persons under 25 years old. The bill seeks to terminate the age restriction and allow all those convicted of crimes below a class H felony, the least severe types of crimes, to petition for expungement.
Co-author of the bill Rep. David Steffen, R-Green Bay, praised the legislation for its potential impact on employment for convicted criminals.
“AB 33 makes common sense revisions to Wisconsin’s outdated expungement law and is an important step in connecting employers in need with potential employees who are looking to overcome their past and find success in the workforce,” Steffen said.
The bill also allows individuals whose convictions have already occured to petition the courts.
Between the years 2016-’18 there was an average of 46,900 misdemeanors and 41,450 felony cases opened, according to the Legislative Fiscal Bureau.
The court is expected to hold additional hearings for expungement petitions that are filed, possibly increasing the need for judges and court staff. The cost of these expenses is not known at this time but would likely be handled by the state and county.
It is unknown how many people would benefit from the new bill, but Steffen is optimistic about its scope.
“During a time when nearly every industry in Wisconsin is facing a workforce shortage, AB 33 plays a crucial role in connecting employers in need with this untapped workforce,” Steffen said.
