Kentucky House panel approves expungement bill

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) – A bill aimed at allowing some nonviolent felons in Kentucky to have their criminal records expunged has won approval from the House Judiciary Committee.

The measure won solid backing from committee Democrats, while Republicans were divided on the issue.

Rep. Johnny Bell of Glasgow says the bill is about redemption and hope for people who made mistakes earlier in life. The bill’s supporters at Wednesday’s hearing included Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes and Kentucky Chamber of Commerce President Dave Adkisson.

The legislation would let people convicted of Class D felonies ask the court to clear their records.

It would not apply to anyone who has multiple felony convictions or committed a sex crime or a crime against a child or an elderly person.

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The legislation is House Bill 40.

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press.