Reduce sealing, expungement requirements in certain cases

HB 608 streamlines the process for individuals to have their criminal records sealed or expunged when they have been acquitted, found not guilty, or had charges dismissed. The bill allows these individuals to apply for record relief at any time after the court enters a not guilty verdict or dismisses the case, with specific waiting periods applying to grand jury no bills. For those granted a pardon, the law permits them to request sealing of their records once the pardon is issued or its conditions are met. Courts must hold hearings within a set timeframe to evaluate the application, weighing the individual's interests against any legitimate government needs to keep the records. However, the bill explicitly excludes certain serious offenses, such as violent felonies, sex crimes, and cases involving victims under thirteen, from this streamlined relief process.