SPRINGFIELD —To further streamline expungement proceedings, State Senator Robert Peters advanced a measure out of the Senate Special Committee on Criminal Law and Public Safety on Wednesday making record expungement a smoother process for individuals and the court systems.

“The expungement process is already challenging,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “At the very least, we can make it easier for individuals who have started their journey to rehabilitate by streamlining the steps they need to take for a fresh start.”

Senate Bill 2626 enables individuals involved with the criminal justice system to petition for expungement at least 61 days before the anticipated case dismissal. If the problem-solving court, pre-plea diversion or post-plea diversion is successfully completed and the case is dismissed, the court can grant expungement. This streamlines the process, allowing for successful completion of diversion programs, case dismissal and expungements at the same time.

Senate Bill 2626 now waits to be heard among the full Senate.