CONCORD – Today, the New Hampshire Senate concurred with a House of Representatives amendment on SB 311, Senator Martha Hennessey’s (D-Hanover) bill to provide for an annulment of a criminal record without payment of a fee in certain cases and specifies a waiting period for the annulment of simple possession drug-related offenses. The bill next goes to Governor Sununu for his action.

After the vote, prime sponsor Senator Martha Hennessey (D-Hanover) issued the following statement:

“A person who has met their obligations and remains in good standing, or, whose arrest has resulted in a finding of not guilty, should have the opportunity to continue their pursuit of a successful life. We know that criminal records are often used as a reason to deny someone a job, housing, or educational opportunities, and we know that low-income people are disproportionately affected by the criminal justice system. By allowing individuals to petition for the annulment of their arrest record or court record without a fee, we create a more equitable system of justice. By giving our younger residents the opportunity to clear their record of a simple possession drug-related crime we prevent the loss of opportunity to grow, work, and contribute here in New Hampshire. I thank my House and Senate colleagues for their diligent work in crafting this legislation and look forward to sending it to the governor.”

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