Kentucky makes it easier to erase old convictions from your record

AN ACT relating to criminal history.

Introduced· 2026-02-27

Who's it for

Who's it for: Everyday People

What it means for you

8/10Helps you

Good for everyday people ·

Plain‑English summary, cross‑checked against the official bill text.

This bill lets people automatically get old misdemeanor and felony convictions erased from their record without paying court fees, and stops those convictions from showing up on job background checks.

Our take

What we think, in plain words.

Right now, if you got convicted years ago and have stayed out of trouble, erasing that conviction costs money and takes forever, and even after you erase it, employers and landlords can still see it on background checks. This bill fixes both problems: eligible convictions get automatically erased after a certain time, no fees, and once erased, they're invisible to background checkers. The catch is that prosecutors can object and block the erasure for serious cases. This is a big deal because a old conviction can destroy your shot at a job, housing, or a loan, even after you've paid your debt to society. The bill is moving fast (already out of committee in March) and has support from both parties, so now is the time to push back if you think people shouldn't get a second chance, or to cheer if you believe they should.

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The facts

What the bill actually says, no spin.

Automatic expungement means the court erases eligible convictions on its own, you don't have to ask or pay.
Court fees are waived for people whose convictions qualify.
Prosecutors can object and stop the automatic erasure for certain offenses.
Once a conviction is expunged, it won't show up on background checks or job applications.
Court staff get legal protection ('immunity') if they mess up while setting this system up in good faith.
A task force will report back by November 2026 on how well the system is working.
The bill requires courts, police, and prisons to share data so the system can track who qualifies.