Give Alaskans a Second Chance: Allow Nonviolent Offenders to Expunge Records

People should not be forever defined by one crime, especially if their crime was entirely nonviolent. In 22 U.S. states, people can have their records expunged of some types of crimes.

Expungement allows nonviolent offenders a second chance, making it easier for them to secure jobs and housing without being forever followed by their past (many job and housing applications require you to disclose your criminal record, or it shows up in a background check).

There is no reason a nonviolent crime should follow someone their entire lives. Our justice system needs to focus on compassion and rehabilitation, not inhumane and cruel lifelong punishment.

In 2011, the Fresh Start Act would have allowed for nonviolent crime records expungement in Alaska, but the bill died before it became law.

Please sign this petition to urge Alaska to finally pass a law allowing for nonviolent crime records to be expunged!