The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry is supporting lawmakers’ efforts to reduce recidivism by making it easier to have a criminal record expunged.
The Senate Judiciary and Criminal Jurisprudence Committee heard SB 19, a Clean Slate bill sponsored by Sen. Brian Williams (D-University City).
The bill would establish an automated criminal record expungement process for certain non-violent offenses. Currently, Missouri’s expungement process is petition-based.
“The purpose of this bill is solely to provide a second chance for people who might have made a mistake at some point in their life,” Williams said. “These mistakes shouldn’t ruin their lives forever.”
Only 1% of eligible individuals in Missouri have been successful in obtaining an expungement due to the complex and lengthy petition process. Williams said the proposed legislation would help reduce recidivism by removing barriers to employment, housing and education for justice-involved individuals.
“My bill is also a workforce development bill that would not only help people get a fresh start, but also grow our economy. We need workers to help our local businesses thrive in Missouri,” Williams said.
In 2022, the Missouri Chamber released a public safety report, Safer Missouri, Stronger Missouri, which includes recommendations to address crime in our state, including reducing recidivism among those on probation and parole.
Cade Tremain, manager of governmental affairs for the Missouri Chamber, testified in favor of the bill.
“Senate Bill 19 will streamline the expungement process, making it easier for justice-involved individuals to re-enter the workforce and fully integrate back into society,” Tremain said. “The Missouri Chamber supports this bill for two main reasons: It supports Missouri’s workforce by opening new employment opportunities, and it will contribute to lower recidivism rates, supporting a stronger and safer Missouri.”
For more information, contact Tremain at ctremain@mochamber.com or 573-634-3511.