Editorial - Record Sealing Bill

"Don't seal those records," the Rocky's Feb. 9 editorial opposing House Bill 1082, the record-sealing bill, misses a critical point. There is a social and economic benefit in reducing recidivism - a subject of interest to Gov. Bill Ritter and all Coloradans. Providing incentives, such as record sealing, to those with a drug possession conviction will be an important incentive over the 10-year period.

Drug courts are successful, in part, because of incentives to offenders to successfully complete a program and have their offense removed from the record. The stigma associated with a drug conviction is an unfortunate reality, not helped by this nation's tabloid mentality.

Congress is also considering the Second Chance Act to battle recidivism. It would provide choices and chances to those living a life of good citizenship in long-term recovery from the disease of addiction. This bill - along with HB 1082 - should become law.

Rocky Mountain