How "second chance" laws could transform the US justice system

Springfield City Council and advocates rallied to support Clean Slate bills that would automate the sealing of eligible criminal records, aiming to improve access to jobs, housing, and stability.

A proposed Maine bill aims to automatically seal certain misdemeanor criminal records, sparking debate over privacy rights, public access, and the balance between rehabilitation and transparency.

Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester reintroduces the bipartisan Clean Slate Act, aiming to automatically seal federal records of low-level, nonviolent offenses, including marijuana charges, to enhance job opportunities and provide second chances for millions of Americans.