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Clean Slate in States
Twelve 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Latest Updates on State Campaigns
Years in the Making, One Vote Away: Clean Slate Illinois Inches Closer to Victory
At the end of May, Illinois lawmakers came incredibly close to passing a historic Clean Slate bill. While the bill didn’t quite make it across the finish line before the spring session adjourned, it didn’t fail. In fact, it now stands just one vote away from heading to the Governor’s desk. Learn more in this update from Caitlin Dunklee, Campaign Strategist.
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Maryland Takes a Stand for Second Chances with Passage of the Expungement Reform Act of 2025
In a bold and compassionate move, Maryland lawmakers have passed the Expungement Reform Act of 2025 (SB 432), marking a turning point in the fight for a fairer legal system and a stronger economy. Learn more in this update from Ryan Ewing, CSI, and Heather Warnken, University of Baltimore School of Law’s Center for Criminal Justice Reform.
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.
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.
