Sens. Chris Van Hollen, Lisa Blunt Rochester Introduce ‘Fresh Start Act’ to Boost Automatic Record Expungement

July 31, 2025

The "Fresh Start Act of 2025," introduced by Senators Chris Van Hollen and Lisa Blunt Rochester, aims to provide grants of up to $5 million to states for modernizing criminal justice data infrastructure to enable automatic expungement of eligible criminal records. States must already have automatic expungement laws in place that don't delay record-clearing due to unpaid fines or fees to qualify for funding. The legislation authorizes $50 million annually from fiscal years 2026 through 2030, with advocates noting that expungement significantly improves employment outcomes and reduces recidivism.

Who is affected

Millions of Americans with criminal records seeking expungement
State governments with automatic expungement laws
Individuals who face barriers to housing, employment, and education due to criminal records
Communities where formerly incarcerated individuals are reintegrating
Law enforcement and criminal justice organizations

What action is being taken

Senators are introducing the "Fresh Start Act of 2025" legislation
The bill is establishing a grant program that can award up to $5 million to eligible states
The legislation is authorizing $50 million per year from fiscal years 2026-2030
Criminal justice organizations are publicly supporting the measure
States that receive grants must submit annual reports with data disaggregated by race, ethnicity, and gender

Why it matters

Expungement helps overcome barriers to housing, employment, and education
A 2020 study found individuals with expunged records earn 22% higher wages within one year
Only 4.2% of people with expunged records are convicted of another offense within five years
Current expungement processes are described as slow, costly, and difficult to navigate
The bill addresses collateral consequences of criminal records that can fuel recidivism
Automation can help eligible individuals who might otherwise not complete manual expungement processes

What's next

The attorney general must publicly release a report each year with submitted data starting no later than one year after the law's enactment
States receiving grants must submit comprehensive plans to obtain any missing information by the end of the year if they cannot initially provide all required data
No explicit next steps stated in the article regarding the legislative process or timeline for consideration of the bill

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer