LANSING — A bipartisan package of legislation was passed by the Michigan House of Representatives today to give thousands of residents with old, low-level criminal convictions an opportunity for a fresh start by expanding eligibility, shortening the required waiting period and establishing an automatic expungement system for certain offenses. In response, state Rep. Sherry Gay-Dagnogo (D-Detroit), whose House Bill 4985 would allow forgiveness for acts committed during “one bad night,” issued the following statement:
“Hundreds of thousands of Michiganders, who have paid their debt to society for crimes committed in their youth, continue to face barriers of getting back on track when trying to access gainful employment, educational opportunities, housing, and reliable financing options years after crimes have been committed and proper time has been served. That’s why reforming Michigan’s expungement process serves as an important step in the right direction to ensuring a fresh start and providing a pathway to success for all Michigan citizens, including those with past convictions. I’m proud to have joined with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass this vital reform for the people of our state, and look forward to continuing the collective advocacy that this package needs as it moves to the Senate for further consideration.”
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