RESOLUTION NO. 230806

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Sponsor:  Mayor Quinton Lucas  and Mayor Pro-Tem Ryana Parks-Shaw

RESOLUTION - Recognizing National Expungement Week in Kansas City.

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WHEREAS, approximately 1.8 million people in Missouri have a criminal record; and

WHEREAS, Kansas City is committed to creating a fair and equitable justice system; and

WHEREAS, many residents of Kansas City with a criminal record continually face significant barriers in employment, housing, and societal participation due to lingering criminal or municipal ordinance convictions; and

WHEREAS, the process of expungement, which involves the sealing of criminal and ordinance violation conviction records, can provide a fresh start for individuals, allowing them to fully participate in our community and contribute to our local economy; and

WHEREAS, the first Friday of every June, observed as “Kansas City Expungement Day,” recognizes the importance of providing second chances to individuals with criminal records through the process of expungement; and

WHEREAS, as CEO of the University of Missouri-Kansas City’s Clear My Record Expungement Program, Johnny Waller Jr. is a recognized leader in assisting residents navigate the expungement process on Kansas City Expungement Day and every day throughout the year; and

WHEREAS, September 17 - 24, 2023, is recognized as National Expungement Week; and

WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council wish to recognize and honor the work performed by the Clear My Record program in Kansas City and raise awareness about the importance of Expungement and available resources during National Expungement Week; and

WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council support and encourage the Kansas City Municipal Court to continue efforts to allow eligible individuals to seek expungement of municipal ordinance violation records to support equity, justice, and opportunity for all residents; NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:

That the Mayor and Council hereby declare September 17-24, 2023, as National Expungement Week in Kansas City; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution be spread upon the Minutes of the Council in testimony thereof and that a copy hereof be presented to Johnny Waller Jr. and The Clear My Record Project at the University of Missouri- Kansas City School of Law with the Mayor and Council encouraging all residents to learn about the benefits of expungement and support available through the Clear My Record program, and to support those seeking a second chance.

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