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Read. Follow. Verify.Kentucky creates automated expungement process for certain non-violent convictions
Last action · March 3, 2026: to Judiciary (H)Sponsors: William Lawrence and 1 other
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What This Bill Proposed
Kentucky establishes an automated monthly process for identifying and clearing eligible non-violent criminal convictions without requiring action from the individual. Beginning August 1, 2026, state agencies must identify unexpunged records, and courts are required to vacate judgments and seal records within thirty days of notification.
Who It Would Have Affected
Groups the bill's text would have affected, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
individuals with eligible convictions
Department of Kentucky State Police
The department is mandated to participate in the monthly identification of eligible unexpunged convictions starting August 1, 2026.
Administrative Office of the Courts
The office must produce monthly lists of expungeable convictions and communicate them to the appropriate courts.
Key Facts
- An eligible conviction is defined as any offense that does not classify a person as a violent offender under KRS 39.3401.
- An expungeable conviction requires that five years have passed since the completion of incarceration and release conditions, and the person has not been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor in the previous five years.
- Beginning August 1, 2026, and monthly thereafter, the Department of Kentucky State Police and the Administrative Office of the Courts must identify eligible unexpunged convictions.
- Beginning August 15, 2026, and monthly thereafter, the Administrative Office of the Courts must produce a list of expungeable convictions and communicate them to the convicting court.
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- Within 30 days of receiving notice, the court must order the judgment vacated, dismiss related charges with prejudice, and order the expungement of court and law enforcement records.
- The expungement order requires no application, filing, or action by the person with the conviction.
- The court must notify the individual once the conviction order of expungement has been entered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to file a petition or pay a fee to get my record expunged under this bill?
When does the automated expungement process start?
Who qualifies for automated expungement?
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
This bill did not become law - Died at adjournment · in House committee.
Procedural history
2 actions- Mar 3, 2026HouseCommitteeto Judiciary (H)
- Feb 24, 2026HouseIntroducedintroduced in House to Committee on Committees (H)
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →Lobbying Activity
No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.
Full breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Sponsors
Connected Entities
Sources
apps.legislature.ky.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance20Lowered because this bill did not pass (its text scored 80)
- Controversy35Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment5Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz40Current news / social attention level
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