House Floor Leader George N. Camacho, Ind.-Saipan, said House Bill 17-52 as amended by the Senate will be referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary and Governmental Operations, which has some concerns about the Senate amendment.
The Senate amendment was “minor,” but “we need to insert a few words,” said the bill’s author Rep. Stanley T. Torres, Ind.-Saipan said.
H.B. 17-52, or the Restoration of Rights and Expungement Act, will erase the records of criminal offenders so they can be “responsible citizens who can hold office” again.
The measure will allow an ex-convict to petition the court “for a restoration of his or her rights in the case of a felony or expunge all records in case of a misdemeanor.”
Once expunged of his criminal records, the ex-convict can work in the government and run for office.
Also yesterday, the House reconsidered its action to pass Senate Legislative Initiative 17-12 which will allow the Northern Marianas College board of regents to create a mission statement for NMC.
Camacho said they have to address some concerns regarding some of the proposal’s language.
