STATE CAMPAIGNS

Clean Slate Gains Momentum Across the Country

Twelve states have passed laws that meet our criteria, most through campaigns supported by The Clean Slate Initiative. Additionally, there are active Clean Slate campaigns in many states, and grassroots work building support for future efforts are underway in states across the country.

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12+
12 states, and Washington D.C., have passed Clean Slate laws that meet CSI’s policy minimums.
50
CSI has a multi-year strategy to put all 50 states on the path to passing Clean Slate legislation.
CLEAN SLATE POLICIES

Clean Slate Policy Criteria

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The Clean Slate Initiative (CSI) and state-based partners build coalitions to pass Clean Slate laws at the state and federal levels. While CSI advocates for expansive and comprehensive record sealing legislation, the minimum criteria a state law must meet to meet CSI standards include:

  • Automation of record sealing;
  • Automatic sealing upon eligibility of the record (noting that eligibility varies from state to state);
  • Inclusion of arrest records;
  • Inclusion of misdemeanor records; and,
  • A strong recommendation for laws to include eligibility of at least one felony record.
CLEAN SLATE POLICIES

Policy Information for Lawmakers

State-based efforts rely on partnering with key stakeholders across the political spectrum, like local advocates, national partners, businesses, faith communities, state agencies, county clerks, and lawmakers.

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A map of the United States with yellow and purple states.A man in a suit and tie is giving a presentation.A group of people sitting in a room with a black and white photo of a congressman on the wall.

Clean Slate Wins Through the Years

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2018: PA

Pennsylvania passes the country's first Clean Slate policy, sparking a movement.

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2019: UT & NJ

Two more states pass Clean Slate policies: Utah & New Jersey.

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2020: CT & MI

Two more states pass Clean Slate policies: Michigan & Connecticut.

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2021: DE + VA

Two more states pass Clean Slate policies: Delaware & Virginia.

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2022: 
CA + OK + CO + DC

Three more states, and Washington D.C., pass Clean Slate policies: Oklahoma, Colorado, & California.

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2023: MN + NY

Two more states pass Clean Slate policies: Minnesota & New York.

State Campaigns

To date, 12 states, and Washington D.C., have passed laws that meet CSI's criteria for Clean Slate legislation.

Additionally, there are active Clean Slate campaigns in many states, and grassroots work building support for future efforts are underway in states across the country.

Connecticut
North Carolina
Pennsylvania
Massachusetts
Washington, D.C.
Read more

Latest Updates on State Campaigns

April 22, 2025

From Judgment to Redemption: Why Faith Communities Support Clean Slate

People of faith have long believed in redemption, renewal, and the sacred dignity of every human being. That's why faith communities in Illinois support Clean Slate. Learn more in this guest update from Rev. Ciera Bates-Chamberlain.

March 5, 2025

How Clean Slate Utah is Transforming Lives Through Expungement

The 2025 Utah Expungement Summit was a groundbreaking event that demonstrated the power of collaboration, advocacy, and community-driven support. This year’s summit shattered records, reaching more people than ever before and laying the groundwork for even greater impact in the year ahead. Learn more in this guest contribution from Destiny Garcia, Executive Director, Clean Slate Utah.

February 18, 2025

A Second Chance for Massachusetts: Advocating for Clean Slate Legislation

In Massachusetts, too many people with arrest and conviction records continue to face barriers to employment, housing, education, and more, long after they have paid their debt to society. Clean Slate advocates in the state are working to change that.  Learn more in this guest contribution from Rahsaan D. Hall, Esq. and Reynolds Graves.

Support Clean Slate

Your voice and action matter. Share your story to amplify the importance of second chances, or make a donation to help expand access to automated record sealing and opportunity for millions.

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