The Second Chance Act is currently under consideration in North Carolina. This “clean slate” bill would automatically expunge criminal charges that are dismissed or ruled as “not guilty” and allows individuals convicted of nonviolent misdemeanors to petition for expungement after seven years of good behavior.
Several committee members expressed their concern regarding the outcome of the bill’s passage, which would likely result in a significant increase in expungement actions placed upon justice system officials. This enlarged workload proves to be trivial in comparison to the benefits the bill will provide to society. With the bill’s passage, more deserving citizens will be allowed to contribute to society, which allows for greater economic opportunities for both the individual and the state.
The majority of North Carolinians believe this act is undoubtedly a step in the right direction. Conservative groups such as Americans for Prosperity, ALEC Action, the NC Chamber, and Koch Industries supported the passage of the bill, as well as other progressive groups. The objectives of the Second Chance Act represent hope for Americans who have been living under the confines of their criminal record. If the bill is successful in its passage, all charges disposed as “not guilty” will automatically be expunged from a person’s criminal record after July 1, 2020 and America will be one step closer to achieving equal opportunity for deserving Americans.
