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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
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.
2025: IL
Illinois becomes the 13th state to pass a Clean Slate policy.
State Campaigns
To date, 13 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
Insight: New York’s Clean Slate Act
Advocates and legislators built broad support for Clean Slate in New York by balancing bold reform goals with practical compromise. Their success offers valuable lessons for advancing Clean Slate policies in other states. Learn more in this analysis from The Brennan Center for Justice's Ames Grawert and Hernandez D. Stroud.
Three Ways Clean Slate Could Save States Money & Resources
When states invest in Clean Slate policies, they’re not just expanding opportunity — they’re potentially saving money and resources. Learn more in this collaborative contribution from John S. Cooper, Safe & Just Michigan, and Katie Svoboda-Kindle, CSI.
Opening Doors for Millions: Illinois Becomes the 13th Clean Slate State
Illinois lawmakers have passed the Clean Slate Act (HB 1836), making Illinois the 13th Clean Slate state, plus Washington D.C.! Learn more in this update from Caitlin Dunklee, Campaign Strategist.
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.
