Newsroom
Read our latest press releases and commentary and check out the latest Clean Slate news hits.

Connecticut Erases 50,000 Criminal Records Under Clean Slate Law After Years of Delays
Connecticut has resumed its automatic record erasure program under the Clean Slate law, wiping around 50,000 eligible records so far and aiming to process over 100,000 more in the near term. The law, passed in 2021, calls for automatic erasures of older, low-level convictions after a set waiting period (seven years for misdemeanors, ten for certain felonies) — though serious offenses like sex crimes and domestic violence are excluded. Implementation was delayed by outdated IT systems and data issues, but recent upgrades and outside contractor support have enabled the state to move forward.

CT Resumes Clean Slate Erasures After Two-Year Delay
Connecticut has restarted automatic record erasures under its Clean Slate law after delays caused by outdated technology, with about 50,000 records already cleared and plans to process more than 100,000 soon. The 2021 law is designed to remove barriers to employment, housing, and education for people with old or low-level records. While advocates say the delay was frustrating, many view the restart as an important step toward fulfilling the law’s promise.

Hawaiʻi Lawmakers Explore Potential of Record Expungements for Minor Offenses
Hawaiʻi lawmakers are expanding a program to automatically expunge records for certain minor drug offenses—such as low-level marijuana charges or excessive purchases of over-the-counter medications—to help improve people’s economic and social standing.

I Was Pardoned by President Trump. I Believe in Clean Slate Laws.
The recent arrest of a Michigan councilman has prompted some national media outlets to target the state’s Clean Slate law. This opinion piece responds to the coverage.

Sens. Chris Van Hollen, Lisa Blunt Rochester Introduce ‘Fresh Start Act’ to Boost Automatic Record Expungement
A bipartisan federal proposal by Senators Van Hollen and Blunt Rochester, the Fresh Start Act of 2025 offers grant funding to help states automate expunging or sealing eligible criminal records.
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Salaam: Why a Federal Clean Slate Bill Matters to Delawareans
Haneef Salaam explains how a federal Clean Slate bill—championed by Del. U.S. lawmakers—would help Delawareans seal records from low‑level and marijuana offenses.

'Clean Slate' Laws Boost Employment, Housing Access Among Formerly Incarcerated
Clean Slate laws are helping remove barriers to jobs and housing for formerly incarcerated individuals, with new research showing significant benefits to public safety and economic stability.

In a Rare Moment of Unity, Virginia Finds Common Ground with Clean Slate Law
Virginia lawmakers from both parties come together in a rare show of unity to pass a Clean Slate law, offering a second chance to thousands by sealing eligible criminal records and fostering bipartisan criminal justice reform.
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