Illinois Becomes 13th State to Sign Automated Clean Slate Law

Chicago, IL — Governor J.B. Pritzker today signed the Illinois Clean Slate Act (HB 1836), making Illinois the 13th state to adopt automated record sealing. The law will streamline the sealing of eligible arrest and conviction records and expand opportunities for an estimated 1.74 million Illinoisans currently blocked from jobs, housing, and stability because of old records. By modernizing the state’s complex and inaccessible petition process, automated record sealing is expected to greatly expand access to relief for eligible individuals, reduce the $4.7 billion annual earnings gap tied to record-related barriers, and strengthen families, communities, and the state’s economy.

In response, Sheena Meade, CEO of The Clean Slate Initiative, issued the following statement:

“We are thrilled that Gov. J.B. Pritzker has made Illinois the 13th Clean Slate state by officially signing HB 1836 into law. This victory has been years in the making, and Illinois wouldn’t be positioned to reclaim $4.7 billion in lost wages annually without the tireless work of advocates, lawmakers, directly impacted individuals, families, and community organizations across the Clean Slate coalition.

“With HB 1836 now law, the priority is preparing for its rollout in 2030 so that 1.74 million eligible Illinoisans are no longer blocked from jobs, housing, or education by outdated bureaucracy. 

“Our coalition partners — including Live Free Illinois, the Illinois Coalition to End Permanent Punishments, the Workers Center for Racial Justice, Impact for Equity, and Code for America — and bill sponsors Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth and Sen. Elgie Sims have shown the resolve, persistence, and heart needed to drive real change. We are committed to ensuring a brighter future for Illinois that provides opportunity for people who have earned their second chance.”