A Senate Bill working its way through the General Assembly would make it possible for people convicted of enhanceable misdemeanors to clear their records if they remain law-abiding for a long enough time.
Right now, Kentucky law allows expungement of many misdemeanors as long as the offense was not a sex crime or an offense committed against a child. However, about 180 misdemeanors are not eligible if they can be enhanced by a subsequent offense, and the enhancement period does not expire.
Senate Bill 33, sponsored by Sen. Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon, would change that. It would amend state statute to allow expungement for enhanceable misdemeanors after a period of five to ten years, depending on the crime. The bill was approved on the Senate floor with a 32-4 vote last week.
The House and Senate are scheduled to reconvene today for the 23rd day of the 60-day session.