COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Senate voted today to override the Governor's veto of legislation sponsored by Sen. Karl Allen that expands opportunities for individuals seeking a fresh start after minor criminal convictions. The legislation now returns to the House, where lawmakers will consider whether to override the veto.
The bipartisan measure allows individuals convicted of multiple misdemeanor fraudulent check offenses within a three-year period to seek expungement after ten years, provided they have made full restitution and have not reoffended. The legislation also requires law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies to destroy arrest records when an investigation determines a person was arrested because of mistaken identity, while allowing certain records to remain under seal for limited law enforcement purposes.
"I appreciate my colleagues in the Senate for recognizing the importance of this legislation," said Sen. Karl Allen. "This bill is about fairness, accountability, and second chances. People who have made restitution, stayed out of trouble, and worked to rebuild their lives deserve the opportunity to move forward. Likewise, innocent South Carolinians should not have to live with records created because of mistaken identity. I hope the House will join the Senate in overriding this veto so these commonsense reforms can become law."
Sen. Allen has long championed policies that remove unnecessary barriers to employment, housing, and economic opportunity for individuals who have earned a second chance. This legislation reflects that commitment by expanding access to expungement for eligible individuals while protecting innocent South Carolinians whose arrests resulted from mistaken identity