I believe the bill should also include any persons 7-10 years arrest free to expunge criminal records. My last The great commonwealth of PA reminds me everyday that people like me do not belong here nor do they care. I pay my taxes for programs I cannot apply because on my record including PA Access as well as the PA Gateway Job program. I’ve worked dead end jobs for minimum wage since I was 22. It’s no wonder the ex-offenders return to lockdown, just look at the state law on expungement, you can do your time but you’ll never free of the state. That’s oppression of a minority by the majority, a funny thing happened yesterday I went to the Chambersburg Courthouse to the Clerk of Courts for a copy of my record, the woman helping me stated that my record could not be expunged, I responded how the current PA law is unfair and unconstitutional, she replied “I disagree, it’s fair and is procedure”. I didn’t go there for her two cents or an argument I just needed some basic information which she did not give me. So what about guys like me? I guess I’ll have to apply for record expungement 3 years after I die, excuse me while I check my planner to see when that is? You know PA had a great immoral and inhumane system of incarceration with fine examples life Easter State Penitentiary, I think the current law on record expungement is an existing condition of that old Quaker Penal system that continues to violate a persons equal right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I can be reached at (confidential), I am currently working on a letter to my local representative and senator and any help is greatly appreciated. My life at one time was an absolute horror and I would just like for people to know my story.

I totaly support this Bill but I think it should include misdemeanor 1 convictions. I had a conviction 20 years ago and the only way for me to get a second chance is a full pardon from the Govenor. That process will take over 3 years. I had no problems till after 9/11 when they pull a criminal history for everything. I still support this Bill.

Bill 391 will help me and a few of my friends right from the get-go. Are there any other ways we can contribute besides your Get Involved page? I think attending local events to promote awareness would have more impact than to simply contacting our state senators.

So far I see nothing about felons and believe the bill is weak and doesn’t go far enough.I made one mistake by being naive selling my firearm to a co-worker/friend the wrong way.With no jail time,a class 3 felony,paid off fines,and 5 years probation(still serving)I can’t get a job to support myself because employers discriminate outright.My crime in no way affects my ability to do a job or show bad character.I admit certain crimes by repeat offenders bring it on themselves but the purpose of the system is to rehabilitate not punish,and if by completing time served and you have paid your debt to society why are we being black listed by employers.The wait time for possible expungment is ridiculous,who has 4 to 10 years depending on which state(in which in PA I have to wait 27 years)to wait before they can get a good job to support themselves or a family.The bill simply isn’t really doing anyone any good that wants to just get on with their life and move on.You don’t have to change the whole system just give people a chance,first offenders like me and many others should be given a chance,if we mess up again then we did nothing but bring it on ourselves.

Bill 391 would be ideal for people who has paid their dues to society. I agree that seven to ten years arrest free is fair. I have a misdemeanor from 1995 and I have been clean for 17 years arrest free and I still get rejected for employment. Bill 391 can help give us a second chance to be productive in society.

it’s a bill that would help those honest Pennsylvanians who changed their past ways to better society.

I work with juveniles in trouble with the law on a daily basis. I’m not a counselor, I’m a behavioral health technician! I’m with both sexes more than anyone within our facility! I have a criminal record, minor offense. I was honest with this company and I’m 9/10 one of the better behavioral health technicians they’re hired. One with a criminal record isn’t as bad as you think. A lot of stereotype floats around when people hear of a “criminal record involvement.” However given the chance it has worked in my favor because I have my employer complimenting on my work ethics and performance! Those with a criminal record isn’t as bad as people think! This new bill will help out a lot of civilians like myself!

I went on and try to expand my experience in the human service field with juveniles to help rehabilitate those offended to not make the same mistakes they’ve done. Picked up a new job and today. I was terminated because of miscommunication upon interview. I still have my first job but not the point! Some of us with criminal records acknowledge our mistakes and try to convert our mistakes to help young offenders. Others like to expand into the medical field, etc. Altogether those who have a record and try to bounce back into society seem to be held back. Almost like we’re not allowed back in. We’re human, we make mistakes! This bill, highly appreciated if it is/isn’t passed!

I fully support SB-391. The Commonwealth MUST enact a way to expunge misdemeanor crimes. My unique situation is that I paid (and currently paying) loans for vocational training where I received a PA-issued license to practice nursing (LPN). The State Board issued the license but now I can’t work anywhere due to having 3 misdemeanor offenses on my criminal background–the most recent of which happened over 10 years ago; 1 of these occurred 17 years ago which just resulted in me being terminated from a position that I held as a LPN in an assisted care facility. Now I’m left with collecting unemployment compensation and food stamps. THIS BILL MUST BE PASSED AND ENACTED INTO LAW NOW!!

I would be one of these individuals. I have a summary of theft by deception from when I was 20 yrs old. It’s 17 years later and I would love to go back to school in the medical field, but my concern is spending my money and getting the degree and can’t land a job due to my record and back then I was offered the ARD program but I was young and didn’t have the money for it at the time. I even a wrote the judge on behalf of my charge to see if I could get it expunge, its was denied.