WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) - Gov. Jack Markell is set to sign legislation that can help people charged with violating certain laws regarding the state park system from having criminal records that could jeopardize their job prospects.
The bill to be signed Friday declassifies several minor violations associated with state parks by changing them from unclassified misdemeanors to class D environmental violations.
A first offense involving such an environmental violation would not be reported on criminal history records provided by the state for employment purposes. Subsequent offenses would be reported.
The new law will take effect after the publication of final regulations, but no later than April 1.
The section of the law that is being changed refers to activities such as damaging property and not paying for entrance fees or vehicle permits.