Pennsylvania House votes to expand types of criminal records that can be sealed from public

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — A measure that would expand the kind of criminal records that can be sealed from public view has passed the Pennsylvania House with bipartisan support. The legislation cleared the House on a 189-14 vote on Monday, and now goes to the Senate. It expands the state’s existing Clean Slate law to make non-violent drug felonies with a maximum sentence of 2 1/2 years eligible for automated sealing. It also would allow those with a criminal history to petition to seal other nonviolent felonies if they are conviction-free for 10 years. It would also reduce the waiting period for automated sealing of misdemeanors to seven years, rather than 10 years.