H.4442 would make all misdemeanor offenses eligible for expungement. This is particularly relevant for legislators who are subject to the Ethics Act, which only contains one felony. In other words, almost all crimes that could be committed by abusing elected office could be wiped off ones’ record by H.4442.
Whether or not all non-ethics related misdemeanors should be eligible for expungement is up for debate. However, lawmakers should not be using their power to provide themselves further protection against any penalties for malfeasance. Crimes committed by abuse of official powers shouldn’t be available for expungement.