sealing criminal records; nondangerous felonies

HB 2859 allows eligible Arizona residents convicted of certain non-dangerous felonies and misdemeanors to petition courts to seal their criminal records after meeting specific conditions. To qualify, individuals must complete all sentence terms (including paying fines and restitution), wait required periods (10 years for serious felonies, 5 years for less serious felonies, or shorter for misdemeanors), and have no new convictions during that time. If approved, courts issue sealing orders directing agencies like the Department of Public Safety to mark records as sealed, restricting public access while preserving limited access for law enforcement in specific circumstances. This bill directly affects people with past convictions who meet the eligibility criteria, aiming to reduce barriers to employment and housing by limiting how criminal history is shared.