Weldon Angelos Presidential Pardon Expungements Act

house

senate

president

Legislation Details

Establishes a process for the expungement of pardoned federal offenses.
Acknowledges the case of Weldon Angelos, who received a lengthy prison sentence for nonviolent offenses and faced ongoing barriers despite being pardoned.
Recognizes that many individuals with pardoned records encounter difficulties reintegrating into society.
Emphasizes the benefits of expungement for individuals, families, and communities, including promoting rehabilitation and reducing recidivism.
Defines key terms related to the expungement process, including “criminal justice agency,” “official record,” “expunge,” “seal,” and “expungable event.”
Mandates the creation of procedures for expungement within one year of enactment, with a comprehensive review by federal district courts within two years.
Requires notification to relevant criminal justice agencies and affected individuals following an expungement order.
Allows for government petitioning for reconsideration of expungement orders, with the burden of proof on the government.
Provides a mechanism for individuals to petition for expungement without incurring fees, with provisions for legal representation if needed.
States that an expungement order restores the individual to their pre-offense legal status and allows them to treat the expunged record as if it never existed.
Ensures compliance with expungement orders by federal and state agencies and prohibits the dissemination of expunged records.
Allows for limited access to expunged records for specific purposes, including research and maintaining accurate official records.
Mandates a study by the Comptroller General on demographics and outcomes related to expunged records, with a report to Congress within two years.
Clarifies that the act does not preempt state laws or alter existing legal remedies and includes a severability clause for constitutional challenges.

Establishes a process for the expungement of pardoned federal offenses.
Acknowledges the case of Weldon Angelos, who received a lengthy prison sentence for nonviolent offenses and faced ongoing barriers despite being pardoned.
Recognizes that many individuals with pardoned records encounter difficulties reintegrating into society.
Emphasizes the benefits of expungement for individuals, families, and communities, including promoting rehabilitation and reducing recidivism.
Defines key terms related to the expungement process, including “criminal justice agency,” “official record,” “expunge,” “seal,” and “expungable event.”
Mandates the creation of procedures for expungement within one year of enactment, with a comprehensive review by federal district courts within two years.
Requires notification to relevant criminal justice agencies and affected individuals following an expungement order.
Allows for government petitioning for reconsideration of expungement orders, with the burden of proof on the government.
Provides a mechanism for individuals to petition for expungement without incurring fees, with provisions for legal representation if needed.
States that an expungement order restores the individual to their pre-offense legal status and allows them to treat the expunged record as if it never existed.
Ensures compliance with expungement orders by federal and state agencies and prohibits the dissemination of expunged records.
Allows for limited access to expunged records for specific purposes, including research and maintaining accurate official records.
Mandates a study by the Comptroller General on demographics and outcomes related to expunged records, with a report to Congress within two years.
Clarifies that the act does not preempt state laws or alter existing legal remedies and includes a severability clause for constitutional challenges.

Weldon Angelos Presidential Pardon Expungements Act

Cosponsors