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Bill allowing removal of convictions from public records heads to Gov. Snyder

The Michigan state capitol building
Thetoad
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Flickr - http://j.mp/1SPGCl0
Michigan Capitol Building, Lansing, Michigan

Some Michiganders may soon be able to have their criminal convictions removed from public records.

People would be able to petition the court that convicted them to remove up to two misdemeanors or one felony. Law enforcement officials would still be able to see the convictions.

Some offenses would not apply. Those include crimes that could come with life sentences, domestic abuse, and drunk driving.

Advocates including bill sponsor Rep. Stacy Erwin Oakes, D-Saginaw, have been working on the issue for more than a decade. They say the bill would help to rehabilitate lower-level offenders and make it easier for them to get jobs.

The legislation got unanimous support from state lawmakers. It was one of the last bills they approved during their “lame-duck” session. The bill is now headed to Gov. Rick Snyder’s desk.