New California Law Allowing More Sealed Criminal Records Continues to Spur Debate
A new California law expands eligibility for convicted felons to seal their criminal records from employers and landlords.
Approved by Gov. Gavin Newsom on Sept. 29, 2022, Senate Bill (SB) 731 takes effect in July.
Critics of the new law say it will harm public safety, while proponents say it provides a positive pathway to employment for eligible felons.
Richard Stapler, chief of staff for state Sen. John Laird (D-Santa Cruz), who voted in favor of the law, said it does not allow violent or sexual offenders to request their records be sealed.
“This legislation follows on the heels of seven other states that have passed similar legislation that ensures those who are convicted of non-serious felonies can be considered for employment,” Stapler told The Epoch Times….