Restricting access to crime records

Senate Bill 691 allows individuals with certain criminal histories to petition courts to restrict public access to their records. It applies to those who received a full, unconditional pardon (with no recent convictions or pending charges) or had a charge dismissed/reduced to a local violation. To gain restriction, petitioners must prove the harm of public access outweighs the public interest, and courts must verify the pardon before a hearing. Records remain accessible for sentencing, law enforcement, legal proceedings, and bar admissions, but cannot be restricted for violent crimes, drug offenses involving violence, or crimes against minors.