Criminal Procedure - Automated Expungement

HB 545 automates the removal of certain criminal records from public view in Maryland. It directly affects individuals with eligible cases involving cannabis possession (with 3+ years since case resolution) or specific misdemeanors (with 7+ years since resolution, excluding domestic violence or assault charges). The bill establishes a new process where the Judiciary identifies eligible cases monthly starting August 2027, then electronically notifies the Department of Public Safety to automatically remove those records within 30 days. This replaces a previous deadline and creates a permanent, systematic approach for expungement without requiring individuals to file separate requests.