Expungement of Convictions Act

What this bill does

This bill creates a process for people to clear their criminal records for certain offenses that are no longer crimes. Currently, it only applies to simple cannabis possession convictions from before December 2017, when cannabis was decriminalized in Bermuda.

If passed (voted YES)

• People with old cannabis possession convictions can apply to the Minister to have these convictions completely erased from their records
• Once expunged, they can legally say they were never convicted and don't have to disclose it on job applications or other forms
• It becomes a crime for officials to reveal expunged convictions without permission, with fines up to $1,000

If rejected (voted NO)

• People with old cannabis possession convictions must continue to disclose them on applications and forms
• These past convictions remain part of their permanent criminal record
• No legal process exists to clear records for offenses that are no longer crimes

Who it affects

This primarily affects Bermudians who were convicted of simple cannabis possession before 2017 and want to clear their records. It could also affect their families who may apply on their behalf if they have died or become disabled.