Earlier this week, the Missouri House of Representatives passed HB 2747, sponsored by Rep. Bishop Davidson (R-Republic), by a vote of 140-7. The bill would automate the expungement process for a number of non-violent criminal offenses, allowing those with a criminal record to have those past crimes not appear on occupational and housing background checks if that person goes a certain amount of time without reoffending. The crimes eligible for expungement would be limited to a maximum of three felonies and five misdemeanors, and no violent or other serious crimes would be eligible for expungement under the bill’s provisions. Additionally, under Davidson’s bill, judges in capital murder sentencing hearings would lose the ability to unilaterally render a verdict of death in the event the jury cannot unanimously reach a decision.
The MCC has testified in support of this proposal. The bill now awaits action by the Missouri Senate before it can progress further through the legislative process.