Robinson Introduces Measure to Make Expungement Process Easier for Chicagoans

CHICAGO – State Rep. Lamont Robinson, Jr., D-Chicago, recently introduced legislation to make criminal record expungement easier for Chicago residents by creating the Neighborhood Sealing and Expungement Court pilot program.

“One of the obstacles in getting charges expunged from one’s record is accessibility to the court,” Robinson said. “There are a variety of reasons why someone may not be able to get to a court, including family or work obligations, lack of transportation or even health issues. This pilot program will make the process easier and faster for Chicago residents.”

Robinson’s House Bill 2666 creates the Neighborhood Sealing and Expungement Court pilot program. The pilot program will help make the expungement process more accessible for residents and decrease the period of challenge review by state, local and municipal law enforcement jurisdictions from 60 to 15 days.

“Making the expungement process easier will help residents of our community get a second chance, allowing them to be eligible for job training, agency verification and employment,” Robinson said. “I am committed to moving Illinois toward a better criminal justice system. While there is much more work to be done to ensure justice for our community, helping residents expunge their records is a step in the right direction.”