The Senate yesterday approved the Criminal Records (Rehabilitation of Offenders) (Amendment) Act 2025.

The act allows for the removal of certain convictions from a person’s criminal record after a rehabilitation period. 

The amendments debated in the Senate expand eligibility to include sentences of a maximum 10 years up from 5, and introduce automatic expungement for lesser, non-custodial convictions dating before January 1, 2005. 

Serious offenses such as murder, rape, and drug trafficking cannot be expunged. 

Minister of  Information, Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon piloted the debate on the legislation.

Meanwhile, Government Senator Abka Fitz-Henley urged Jamaicans who will benefit to take advantage of the second chance afforded to them and contribute positively to society.