07-02-2025
Proposed Kentucky legislation aims to simplify expungement process, offering second chances
FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56) — The expungement process can be daunting even for eligible Kentuckians.
This is why a proposed legislation would increase access to expungement.
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Selena Coomer, an empathy network leader, is about to celebrate 17 years sober, and she previously went through the process of getting an expungement.
'It baffled me why I had to jump through all the hoops and cross the T's and dot the I's to get the expungement after I had already done so much work to get my life together,' said Coomer.
Right now, there are more than 575,000 Kentuckians with past criminal records.
'So if this law were to pass and we automated the process for over 500,000 people, they could get better jobs to provide for their families, pay taxes, and contribute to their community,' Coomer added.
Kentucky does already have an expungement law.
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A person would have to wait five years after their sentence, pay fines or fees, and complete probation. Then, they're eligible to ask the court for an expungement.
But the Kentucky Clean Slate Legislation would change that process.
'There would be a system that would just automate that process,' said Coomer. 'That person's name would pop up, and it would just automate that process.'
That would also include eliminating fees and relieving people from having to request and pay for expungement.
Coomer also said it would eliminate an issue of miscommunication.
Proposed Kentucky legislation aims to simplify expungement process, offering second chances
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'If you just google, 'How do I get an expungement?' You can come up with 30 different things and you have to apply for an expungement certificate with Kentucky State Police,' added Coomer. 'And there are different websites that are fake websites that are preying on people like me who need help.'
On Feb. 20, Coomer and other community leaders are hosting a Day of Empathy in the Kentucky State Capitol Rotunda to advocate for this bill.
'I think now is a great time for Kentucky to have a second chance,' Coomer said. 'And I think it would be wonderful for our workforce and our families and our communities.'
More information about the bill can be found here.
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