An Act to remove collateral consequences and protect the presumption of innocence

This Massachusetts bill aims to protect the presumption of innocence and reduce negative long-term impacts for individuals charged with crimes but not convicted. It requires courts and agencies to immediately seal records for offenses that did not result in a conviction or a guilty plea, removing the need for individuals to file separate requests to do so. The law also mandates that anyone receiving criminal records must be informed that a presumption of innocence applies to pending or non-convicted cases, and it grants individuals direct access to their own sealed records without needing a court order. Additionally, the bill clarifies that juvenile records for offenses not transferred to adult court will be sealed immediately if no adjudication occurs, unless the juvenile objects.