Florida’s Governor DeSantis approved HB 195, a bill that allows juveniles to have felony charges expunged from their records, a year after vetoing the measure. The most recent session’s version broadens the access minors have to expunging lesser felonies and misdemeanors from their records. This access now allows minors to clear charges after completing a diversion program but excludes forcible felonies. Forcible felonies include violent crimes like murder, rape, and kidnapping. By adding this exclusion, the bill secured its passage by DeSantis whose initial veto cited concern for public safety.
The original proponent of the legislation, the Florida Juvenile Justice Association, hopes that by providing a pathway out of the criminal justice system, minors will be able to grow from their mistakes. Sponsors of the bill also note the fiscal and public safety benefits of the legislation. A cleared record provides more opportunity for education and employment, especially with early intervention. Additionally, expunction is proven to reduce recidivism— improving crime rates and reducing money spent by state prisons. With these collateral benefits to the legislation, it is more than just a criminal justice bill but also a workforce development bill.
Pro-expunction legislation not only affects the individual with a criminal record by altering the trajectory of their life, but it benefits society as a whole. Further, rehabilitation for juvenile offenders occurs on a uniquely developmental level, allowing for effective reintegration into society. Over 26,000 minors will benefit from the measure. With HB 195 going into effect on July 1, 2022, the bill provides a basis on which later legislation for adult expunction can be built on and inspired by.
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