AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- EXPUNGEMENT OF CRIMINAL RECORDS

HB 5889 amends a state law to allow law enforcement agencies to review expunged criminal records when processing applications for a license or permit to carry a pistol or revolver. This specifically affects individuals who have had criminal convictions expunged but are applying for firearm permits, as they must now disclose prior convictions that were previously hidden. The bill modifies existing expungement rules to explicitly permit law enforcement access to expunged records for this limited purpose. It does not change how expungement works for other applications like employment or education licenses. The bill takes effect upon passage.