HB 151: CRIMINAL/RECORDS: Provides relative to expungement of arrest information (EN SEE FISC NOTE LF EX) - Louisiana

HB151 Original → HB151 Act · 5 edits

MODERATE

The bill was finalized and enacted into law (Act No. 129) with significant changes to the documentation required for expunging arrest records. The requirements were streamlined to remove fees and unnecessary certifications, while adding a specific need for a charging instrument and clarifying the types of court records needed.

Scope change

The bill's scope remains focused on the expungement of arrest information under Code of Criminal Procedure Article 978.1, but the specific documents applicants must submit to the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information were revised.

REQUIREMENT

The list of required documents was reorganized and simplified; the specific requirement for a 'fee waiver' letter from the district attorney was removed, and the requirement for a 'pretrial diversion' certification was deleted.

A new requirement was added for applicants to submit a charging instrument, such as a bill of information, indictment, or affidavit.

The requirement for court records was clarified to accept either court minute entries showing final disposition or a letter from the Clerk of Court stating that no such records exist.

The requirement for a 'first offender pardon' was removed and replaced with a broader requirement for any order for set aside or dismissal pursuant to specific articles.

TECHNICAL

The document was converted from an original draft to an enrolled act, updating the header and removing legislative digests and coding notes.

HB151 Enrolled → HB151 Original · 5 edits

MODERATE

The bill was reorganized from an enrolled final version to an original draft containing a new digest and revised text. The substantive content regarding expungement requirements was significantly altered: the original draft required a criminal background check and a fee waiver letter, while the enrolled version required a background check, a letter verifying no convictions, and a letter confirming charges were refused. The enrolled version also added specific requirements for sex offender registration waivers and wrongful conviction orders.

Scope change

The bill's scope regarding the specific documents required for expungement was modified between the two versions, shifting from a focus on fee waivers and charge refusals to a broader set of certifications including innocence determinations.

REQUIREMENT

The list of required documents for expungement motions was changed; the original draft required a background check and fee waiver letter, whereas the enrolled version requires a background check, verification of no convictions, and confirmation that charges were refused.

The enrolled version added specific requirements for a copy of a sex offender registration waiver and a court order for wrongful conviction compensation.

The enrolled version added a requirement for a copy of a first offender pardon or governor's pardon.

The enrolled version added a requirement for an order setting aside or dismissing charges pursuant to specific articles.

The enrolled version removed the requirement for a letter from the Clerk of Court stating that no records exist.

HB151 Reengrossed → HB151 Enrolled · 3 edits · May 12, 2026

MINOR

The bill transitioned from a 'Reengrossed' draft to the final 'Enrolled' version ready for signature. The substantive policy content regarding the requirement to submit specific documents (court minutes, charge disposition reports, or letters from the Clerk) for arrest record expungement remains identical between the two versions. The primary changes are administrative, involving the removal of legislative history notes, digests, and amendment summaries, while updating the title page to reflect the final enrolled status.

TECHNICAL

Removed the 'Digest' section and 'Summary of Amendments Adopted by House' which explained the bill's purpose and history but are not part of the final law.

Updated the document header and footer to change the status from 'REENGROSSED' to 'ENROLLED' and adjusted the House/Senate/Governor signature blocks.

Deleted the 'CODING' legend and page numbering instructions that were used for the draft version but are redundant in the final enrolled text.

HB151 Engrossed → HB151 Reengrossed · 5 edits · May 11, 2026

MODERATE

The bill was reengrossed to clarify and simplify the documentation required when filing a motion to expunge arrest records. The changes remove redundant or overly specific requirements, such as the need for a fee waiver letter and proof of non-participation in pretrial diversion programs, while adding a requirement for a charging instrument. The list of required documents was reorganized to be more logical and easier for applicants to understand.

Scope change

The scope of required documentation for expungement motions was refined to reduce unnecessary burdens on applicants while maintaining core verification steps.

REQUIREMENT

Reorganized the list of required documents to improve clarity and removed specific items like the fee waiver letter and pretrial diversion participation proof.

Added a requirement to submit the charging instrument (such as a bill of information or indictment) to the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information.

Updated the background check requirement to specify it must be dated within sixty days of filing.

Added a requirement for a certification letter from the district attorney confirming whether any charges were refused related to the arrest incident.

Expanded the acceptable alternatives for court minutes to include a letter from the Clerk of Court if no records exist.

CRIMINAL/RECORDS: Provides relative to expungement of arrest information (EN SEE FISC NOTE LF EX)

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