Arizona has enacted a new law that allows a person to file a petition to seal all case records related to a criminal offense if the person was:

• Convicted of a criminal offense and has completed all of the terms and conditions of the sentence that was imposed by the court, including the payment of all monetary obligations and restitution to all victims;
• Charged with a criminal offense and the charge was subsequently dismissed or resulted in a not guilty verdict at a trial; or
• Arrested for a criminal offense and no charges were filed.

The law details the process the courts and individuals wishing to seal criminal offense records must follow.

As it pertains to employers, the new law provides that a person whose records are sealed may state that they have never been arrested for, charged with, or convicted of the criminal offense that is the subject of the sealed records in response to questions on employment. However, the new law provides a list of exceptions under which a person may not refrain from disclosing the information. For instance, a person must disclose the information if the person is submitting an application that requires a fingerprint clearance card. Moreover, the exceptions detail various instances requiring disclosure where the sealed case records involve a criminal offense that is related to the nature of the employment.

The new law provides employers with all of the limited liability protections prescribed under state law applicable to employers hiring and contracting with ex-offenders. Employers may not be held liable for hiring or contracting with persons covered under this new law.

Employers are encouraged to revise employment applications and background check procedures as needed, and to train HR and employees involved in the hiring process about the law’s requirements.

SOURCE: Littler GPS, Arizona Senate Bill 1294

Posted: July 26, 2021