Honorable Officials,

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to strongly urge your support for HB2658 and SB1168, bills that would allow for the expungement of misdemeanor convictions in Arizona. This change is crucial for those who have paid their dues and deserve a real chance to move forward in life.

As you know, in Arizona, a misdemeanor conviction can haunt a person for a lifetime. Without the option for expungement, many individuals face persistent barriers to employment, housing, and essential services like driving for Uber. These opportunities are often out of reach, no matter how much time has passed or how much a person has changed. The inability to move on from a past mistake not only affects the individual but also limits their ability to contribute positively to our community.

HB2658 and SB1168 are working to correct this injustice. By allowing a judge to evaluate each case and determine if expungement is warranted, we can ensure that individuals are given a fair opportunity to rebuild their lives. But for this to have a real impact, the bill must be effective as soon as possible.

I urge you to work toward ensuring that these bills are revised to take effect within the typical 90-day window after the regular session concludes and all laws have been signed. The need for swift action is critical—these individuals deserve a second chance now, not years down the road.

Everyone deserves the right to a fresh start. I ask for your leadership in supporting HB2658 and SB1168 and pushing for the bills to be implemented immediately. Let’s help those who have served their time, made amends, and are ready to move forward with their lives.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your support on this critical issue.