HB 1819 - DIGEST

Declares that it is the policy of the state of Washington to encourage and contribute to the rehabilitation of felons and to assist them in the assumption of the responsibilities of citizenship.

Recognizes that the opportunity to secure employment or to pursue, practice, or engage in a meaningful and profitable trade, occupation, vocation, profession, or business is an essential ingredient to rehabilitation and the assumption of the responsibilities of citizenship. To this end, it is important for the offender to be able to respond to employment inquiries according to RCW 9.94A.640(3) without fear of being contradicted by a court file disclosing the vacated conviction.

Provides that, when a court vacates a record of conviction under this act, the court may order the court clerk to seal the court file as provided for under court rules, without requiring the offender to demonstrate compelling circumstances. The order to seal the court file may allow the deletion of the offender's name in the case index and the substitution of the offender's name with his or her initials.