Authorizing judges to waive the docket fee in expungement cases by reviewing and granting a poverty affidavit.

This bill allows judges to waive court filing fees in expungement cases when applicants submit a verified poverty affidavit, directly helping low-income individuals seeking to clear past minor criminal records (like city ordinance violations). It replaces the current requirement for upfront payment with a streamlined process where judges review the poverty affidavit to determine eligibility. The bill also removes barriers that previously delayed legal service while poverty status was being assessed. These changes aim to make expungement more accessible without altering eligibility criteria for record clearance.