California State Lawmaker Proposes Bill to Seal Misdemeanor Convictions

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San Francisco District Attorney George Gascón supports AB 1076. According to him, “Millions of Californians are living in a paper prison.” He noted that many people are “entitled to relief” but the “bureaucratic barriers” are preventing them to get it.

“With a few key strokes California can enhance public safety and equity while reducing recidivism and taxpayer spending.  AB 1076 will not only modernize our system of justice, it’s a model for the justice system,” said Gascón.

During a recent press conference, Gascón clarified that law enforcement can still see the criminal records of low-level offenders in case they repeat their offense. The bill only limits the general public’s ability from accessing their criminal records.

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California has been focused on reforming its criminal justice system. Last year, then-Governor Jerry Brown signed into law a bill abolishing the money bail system.