A bipartisan group of lawmakers has introduced the Fresh Start Act, a federal bill aimed at helping states automate the expungement of certain nonviolent criminal records. The legislation would provide funding and technical assistance to states working to streamline the record-clearing process, making it easier for eligible individuals to move forward without the burden of a past conviction. Advocates say the bill supports workforce participation, housing access, and public safety by removing barriers faced by people with old records. Lawmakers and supporters emphasize that automation is key to ensuring clean slate policies are both effective and equitable.