Criminal Records Bill [HL]

A Bill to amend the length of time for which an individual may have a criminal record under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974

Originating House

House of Lords

Last Updated

5 May 2021

In Plain English

AI-generated

This Bill would change how long a person’s criminal record can exist under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. It sets out new timeframes for when convictions may become spent or no longer need to be disclosed in most situations. The aim is to modernise and simplify how spent and unspent convictions are treated.

Key Points

Aims to amend the length of time a criminal record can exist under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
Changes could affect when convictions become spent and how long they may be disclosed in checks.
Applicable to individuals with past convictions and to organisations that carry out criminal record checks (e.g., employers, DBS).
May include transitional provisions or phased implementation of the new timeframes.
Currently at the Second Reading in the House of Lords, and will move through further Lords stages before possibly going to the Commons.

Progress

The bill is at the second reading stage in the House of Lords. If it progresses, it will go through subsequent Lords stages and, if approved, move to the House of Commons for consideration.

Who is affected?

People with past criminal convictionsJob applicants and current employees who may be asked to disclose recordsEmployers, recruitment agencies and organisations that carry out criminal record checks (including DBS)Regulated professionals and employers in sectors that require disclosuresPublic bodies and organisations that maintain or use criminal record information

Generated 21 February 2026

Updates & Documents

News (1)

News - Criminal Records

1 Jan 1970

First reading took place on 13 January. This stage is a formality that signals the start of the Bill's journey through the Lords.

Second reading - the general debate on all aspects of the Bill - is yet to be scheduled.

The 2019-2021 session of Parliament has prorogued and this Bill will make no further progress.

Documents (1)

HL Bill 19 (as introduced)

BillLords

14 Jan 2020

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.

Criminal Records Bill [HL] | TrackPolitics