Expungement bill for low-level felons clears Kentucky House

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — The Kentucky House has passed a bill that would allow certain low-level felons to ask a judge to have their criminal records expunged.

The bill cleared the House on an 84-14 vote Wednesday and now goes to the Senate, where similar bills have died in past years.

Under the measure, people convicted of class D felonies could petition a court for expungement five years after completing their sentence or probation.

The bill would not apply to people convicted of sex offenses or crimes against children. A prosecutor or victim would have the right to present evidence to the judge considering an expungement motion.

The bill’s lead sponsor is Democratic Rep. Darryl Owens of Louisville.

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The legislation is House Bill 40.