EAST LANSING, MI (MPRN)-- Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed a sweeping reform package that will allow thousands to expunge their criminal records after they’ve served their sentences.
The legislation enables thousands of people who’ve been denied housing, employment and other opportunities because of past criminal convictions to clear their records. Many offenses range from traffic violations to marijuana charges that were imposed before recreational use was legalized in 2018.
Michigan’s law also covers some past felonies, making it the most comprehensive expungement system in the country.
Representative David LaGrand is a Democrat from Grand Rapids, and a co-sponsor of the package.
“This is transformative. This is anti-poverty, this is pro-public safety. But it is mostly pro-dignity,” he says.
The law will formally take effect in April.