Bipartisan Lawmakers Reintroduce Legislation to Advance Second Chances at Federal and State Levels

Sens Paul (R-KY) & Blunt Rochester (D-DE) join Reps. Lee (R-FL), Kamlager-Dove (D-CA), Moran (R-TX), & McBath (D-GA) as Champions of Second Chances

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a powerful display of unity across party lines, bipartisan lawmakers, advocates, stakeholders, and directly impacted individuals celebrated the reintroduction of the Clean Slate Act and Fresh Start Act. These bills would reduce the barriers faced by millions of people in America who remain saddled with arrest and conviction records many years after completing their sentences and living crime-free.

The Clean Slate Act, originally introduced in 2019, was reintroduced in the Senate by Senators Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) and Rand Paul (R-KY) and in the House by Representatives McBath (D-GA-6) and Moran (R-TX-1). The bill would create the first-ever federal process to seal certain low-level federal records, including the automatic sealing of nonviolent federal marijuana offenses. Meanwhile, the Fresh Start Act, also originally introduced in 2021, was reintroduced in the House by Representatives Laurel Lee (R-FL) and Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA). The bill would allow states with automated record-sealing or expungement laws to apply for federal infrastructure grants to help streamline the process.

Together, the two bills will modernize our country’s approach to sealing old arrest and conviction records, ensuring individuals who have been involved with the federal and state legal systems are not perpetually punished for long-ago crimes. Currently, 94 percent of employers, 90 percent of landlords, and 72 percent of colleges and universities use background checks to screen for applicants with records, making it nearly impossible for some to truly move forward with their lives.

Since 2018, 12 states have taken action to address this injustice by passing Clean Slate legislation: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Utah and Virginia.

A recording of the press conference is available online here.

Members of Congress, people who have been directly impacted by records, advocates, and members of the business community are celebrating the reintroduction of the Clean Slate Act and the Fresh Start Act, noting the tangible impact and uniquely bipartisan nature of this effort.

Dr. Sheena Meade, CEO, The Clean Slate Initiative: "I’ve experienced firsthand how an old record can shut doors long after a sentence ends. The Clean Slate Act and Fresh Start Act are about redemption, economic opportunity, and human dignity, and ensuring people who have paid for their mistakes have a meaningful chance to rebuild their lives. States have led the way, now it’s time for Congress to pass federal Clean Slate legislation — because justice isn’t served when redemption is denied."

Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE): "I am so proud to be bringing the Clean Slate Act to the Senate and reintroducing it with Senator Rand Paul. For me, Clean Slate is both a jobs and justice bill. As Delaware’s former Secretary of Labor, I understand how important housing and education can be to securing a good-paying job and improving the quality of life. Between 70 and 100 million people in this country have a record, and through clean slate, we can eliminate barriers that prevent millions from finding opportunities during reentry. I want to thank the Clean Slate Initiative for their tireless advocacy on the Clean Slate Act and the Fresh Start Act. We have an opportunity to see these bipartisan bills become law, and I’ll keep working to make sure this happens.”

‍Rep. Lucy McBath (D-GA): "The Clean Slate Act represents an essential step toward justice that is restorative, not just punitive. These bills help ensure that a single mistake doesn’t become a life sentence of limited opportunity. We have an opportunity to prioritize public safety while supporting individuals and their futures. I’m grateful to my colleagues and advocates for their work on this important issue."

Rep. Laurel Lee (R-FL): “People who have worked to turn their lives around after a criminal conviction deserve the opportunity to move forward, not be held back by administrative barriers. Today, nearly one-third of Americans have a criminal record that can prevent them from getting a job, finding housing, or pursuing education—even when they qualify for record-sealing or expungement. The Fresh Start Act of 2025 modernizes and streamlines these processes for states, helping more individuals access the opportunities they’ve earned. I look forward to seeing my colleagues come together to pass this important legislation and ensure that everyone who deserves a second chance has the opportunity to build a better future.”

Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA): "No one should be denied a job, housing, or education because of bureaucratic red tape. Millions of Americans have arrest or conviction records that are eligible to be sealed or expunged, yet many are blocked by confusing, burdensome, and costly processes. I’m proud to cosponsor the bipartisan Fresh Start Act, which helps individuals who have been exonerated or who have paid their debts to society get a chance to contribute to their communities. This legislation will give states the resources they need to implement automatic record clearance systems that offer people a fresh start."

Patrick Purtill, Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Unify.US: "Clean Slate reforms make our communities safer and our economy stronger. This is a cause that conservatives and progressives alike can rally behind — and today proves that."

Jason Pye, Executive Director, Due Process Institute: “The Clean Slate Act and the Fresh Start Act are bipartisan bills that prioritize second chances by expanding and improving automatic record-sealing at the federal and state level. With 1 in 3 American adults having some form of a criminal record, automatic record-sealing is a proven and cost-effective solution to improve public safety and increase economic opportunity. We urge members of Congress to support these solution-oriented bills and put millions of Americans and their families on a path to personal and economic success.”

Akua Amaning, Director, Criminal Justice Reform, Center for American Progress: “For the roughly 100 million people in America who are navigating life with a stigma stemming from their record, critical resources like employment, housing, education, and health care can be hard to come by. Without a fair and equitable opportunity to rebuild their lives, many directly impacted individuals are susceptible to recidivism or being left behind. Transformative legislation like the Clean Slate Act and the Fresh Start Act will help individuals overcome these barriers by providing opportunities to expunge eligible federal and state records through an automated process. Clean Slate policy is building strong momentum throughout the country and across the political spectrum. It is common-sense reform that not only breaks down barriers, but also strengthens economic and public safety outcomes–especially for people of color and other historically marginalized groups. We are thrilled to see the reintroduction of both the Clean Slate Act and the Fresh Start Act. It is time for Congress to pass these measures to ensure returning individuals and their families have a fair and equitable chance to rebuild their lives and move towards a brighter future.”

Nan Gibson, Executive Director, JPMorgan Chase Policy Center: “The Clean Slate Act and the Fresh Start Act are common sense measures that will help give people who have fulfilled their justice system obligations a second chance. Over the last six years, our firm has hired more than 21,000 people with a record whose history had no bearing on the requirements of their job, because we know implementing fair chance hiring practices is good for our business and the economy.  This measure will enable companies like ours to continue to connect individuals to meaningful career pathways, opening doors to opportunities that transform lives, lift up communities and strengthen the workforce.”

Patrick Plein, Director, CPAC’s Nolan Center for Justice: “Communities are safer when individuals returning from prison are given a fair chance to reintegrate into society and rebuild their lives. The Clean Slate Act and Fresh Start Act recognize that people are more than their past mistakes—they are hard working parents, employees, and neighbors with the potential to prosper. By removing barriers to opportunity, these bills strengthen families, boost our economy, and promote public safety.”

JC Hendrickson, Senior Policy Strategist, Justice Program, Brennan Center for Justice: “After someone leaves prison, they should have a fair shot at rebuilding their lives. Clean Slate legislation is crucial. Having a criminal record can make it hard to secure a job and a place to live, and for Black and Latino people, the impact is even worse. Twelve states have passed clean slate laws on a bipartisan basis, ensuring that those leaving prison have a fairer shot at success. This state-tested idea is ready for Congress, and we thank the sponsors of today’s bill for taking the lead.“

To learn more about The Clean Slate Initiative and the Clean Slate and Fresh Start Acts, please visit www.cleanslateinitiative.org/federal.

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