Newsroom

Clean-slate laws could give former prisoners in Florida a real second chance — an opinion piece advocating for automated record-sealing to eliminate the costly, time-consuming barriers to expungement and open employment doors for the 6.2 million Floridians with criminal records.

Workshop sheds light on Virginia’s new Clean Slate Law — residents learn how the upcoming law will allow some misdemeanor and felony convictions to be sealed or expunged, offering a path toward second chances and reduced barriers to employment and housing.

Rep. Jehan-Gordon Booth calls the passage of the Clean Slate Act “a labor of love,” marking the culmination of a decade-long effort to automatically seal or expunge certain misdemeanors and low-level felonies for 2.2 million Illinoisans — offering a true second chance.

Illinois advocates are awaiting J.B. Pritzker’s signature on the landmark Clean Slate bill—passed by the state legislature in late October—which would automate sealing of eligible arrest and conviction records and open up new opportunities for millions of residents.

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Illinois lawmakers in the state Senate approved a new version of the Clean Slate Act bill that will expand automatic sealing of non-violent and less serious criminal records — marking a significant push for second-chance reform in the state.

Illinois joins a growing national movement as the 13th state to pass Clean Slate, giving 1.74 million residents a fair chance at a fresh start.

A town hall meeting was hosted to spotlight proposed “Clean Slate” legislation, which would simplify how eligible individuals can have past records expunged. The gathering featured advocates, community members, and individuals who described barriers they faced due to lingering records. Organizers emphasized the need for an automated expungement system to reduce costs, legal complexity, and delays. Attendees were encouraged to engage with legislators and help raise momentum for passing the bill.

After years of delays, Connecticut has begun implementing automated record erasures under its Clean Slate law. CSI CEO Sheena Meade applauds this milestone, which will open doors to jobs, housing, and opportunity for over 100,000 residents.