Criminal Records: Grants for Automatic Sealing and Expungement
A house committee must act next: committee consideration.
The bill has strong support from both Republicans and Democrats, which significantly improves its chances. However, it is still in the early stages of the legislative process and must compete with other priorities.
Scores run from -100 (strongly harmful) to +100 (strongly beneficial) for each group, combining impact, certainty, scope, and duration ratings of 1-5. How impact scoring works
The bill funds state grants to build automated systems that seal or expunge eligible criminal records without requiring people to file paperwork, go to court, or pay fees. It specifically bars states from delaying automatic sealing because someone owes an unpaid fee or fine, removing a common barrier that keeps low income people from getting a clean record even when they qualify.
“without delay by reason of a failure to pay a fee or fine”
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Rep. Laurel Lee introduced the bipartisan Fresh Start Act to provide federal grants to states that automate their record-sealing processes. The legislation aims to remove administrative barriers for the one-third of Americans with criminal records who qualify for expungement.
Senator Chris Van Hollen is co-sponsoring the Fresh Start Act, which would authorize $50 million over four years for the Department of Justice to assist states in automating record expungement. The goal is to help formerly incarcerated individuals access jobs, housing, and education.
No votes or related bills recorded for this bill yet.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Fresh Start Act of 2025
Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.