An Act To Clarify The Criminal History Record Information Act With Respect To Criminal Charges Dismissed As The Result Of A Plea Agreement

This bill clarifies Maine's Criminal History Record Information Act regarding dismissed criminal charges that occur as part of plea agreements. It specifies that if a defendant pleads guilty to and is convicted of another criminal charge in the same agreement, the dismissal of the original charge is **not** confidential. However, if the plea agreement only involves a civil violation or traffic infraction (without a criminal conviction), the dismissal is treated as confidential information. The bill also codifies a court ruling that allows a defendant's admission of guilt during a deferred disposition to be used in later legal proceedings, even if the charge was later dismissed.