(The Center Square) â Millions of Georgians will start the new year with a second chance.Â
A new law that increases the number of criminal records that can be sealed takes effect Friday. The law, the result ofÂ
Senate Bill 288, allows certain misdemeanors and nonviolent felonies to qualify for expungement.
More than 4 million Georgia residents had a criminal record in 2016, according to the Georgia Center for Opportunity (GCO). Georgia is joining 41 other states that have eased record-sealing restrictions. It is vital that we continue to reform Georgia s criminal justice system so that reformation and reintegration is the goal, and not just punishment, said Corey Burres, GCO s vice president of communications. With SB 288, we are making real efforts to help past offenders access opportunities that may not be available to them due to their criminal record.