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Clean Slate in States
Thirteen states, and Washington D.C., have passed laws that meet our criteria, most through campaigns led by the Clean Slate Initiative, and there are active campaigns in many more. Learn more about Clean Slate efforts across the country.
Clean Slate Gains Momentum Across the Country
Thirteen states, and Washington D.C., 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.
Clean Slate Policy Criteria
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.
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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Clean Slate Wins Through the Years
2018: PA
Pennsylvania passes the country's first Clean Slate policy, sparking a movement.
2019: UT & NJ
Two more states pass Clean Slate policies: Utah & New Jersey.
2020: CT & MI
Two more states pass Clean Slate policies: Michigan & Connecticut.
2021: DE + VA
Two more states pass Clean Slate policies: Delaware & Virginia.
2022:
CA + OK + CO + DC
Three more states, and Washington D.C., pass Clean Slate policies: Oklahoma, Colorado, & California.
2023: MN + NY
Two more states pass Clean Slate policies: Minnesota & New York.
2025: IL
Illinois becomes the 13th state to pass a Clean Slate policy.
State Campaigns
To date, 14 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.
Latest Updates on State Campaigns
The Show-Me State Showed Us How It’s Done: Missouri Wins the Race to 14!
Missouri is now the 14th state to pass a Clean Slate law. Learn how the state's new automated record sealing law expands opportunity, reduces barriers, and marks another milestone for the growing Clean Slate movement.
Almost to the Finish Line: Maine’s State Legislature Passes Clean Slate
We're almost to the finish line in the race to the 14th Clean Slate state. Maine's State Legislature has passed LD 1911, and the bill now heads to the Governor's desk.
The State of Clean Slate: Campaigns are Making Strides in the “Race to 14”
Across the country, a friendly competition is underway: Clean Slate partners across several states are working to become the 14th state (plus Washington D.C.) to pass an automated record sealing law. Learn more about the "Race to 14" in this update from Erik Altieri, Director of Campaigns.
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.
