Updates from CSI

Jerika White, Community Justice Manager at Empower Missouri, joined CSI's 2025 convening in Chicago in June as a first-time attendee. Learn more about her experience at the event in this guest update.

When using digital tools to find participants, how can researchers be sure they’re reaching the right people, and doing so in a way that’s cost-effective, efficient, and ethical? New research dives in. Learn more in this co-authored update from Dr. Laura Chavez, Sarah Lageson, Carolina R. Caliman, Elsa Chen, and Ericka Adams.

In 2022, thanks to the tireless efforts of local advocates like DC Justice Lab, D.C. passed a Clean Slate law, the Second Chance Amendment Act, that provides petition based and automated sealing of eligible arrest and conviction records. The law marks a critical turning point in the fight for second chances in The District. Learn more in this guest update from Nye Winslow, Policy Counsel at DC Justice Lab.

If we’re going to require that people have jobs in order to access basic healthcare, we must also remove unnecessary obstacles standing in the way of those jobs. Learn more in this update from Dr. Sheena Meade, CEO.

Old arrest and conviction records often create barriers for LGBTQ+ individuals, amplifying the impacts of existing discrimination and systemic bias. Learn more in this update from Morgan Kelly, Senior Marketing & Communications Strategist.

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.

On June 4–6, 2025, CSI brought together more than 300 advocates, organizers, directly impacted leaders, and other Clean Slate stakeholders from across the country for our 2025 Convening. Learn more in this update from Alex Williams, Chief of Staff.

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.

Today, as we mark CSI’s five-year anniversary, it’s clear how far we’ve come — and we’re determined to keep that momentum growing. Learn more in this update from Dr. Sheena Meade, CEO.

Clean Slate policies offer clear and compelling benefits to public safety and law enforcement. Learn more in this guest update from Jill Snider, R Street.

Join us in Chicago June 5-6, 2025, for two days of connection, strategy, and action as we mark five years of progress at CSI and prepare for a lifetime of impact for Clean Slate’s work. Register today!

At a powerful press conference in Washington, D.C. on April 30, bipartisan lawmakers, advocates, stakeholders, and directly impacted individuals celebrated the reintroduction of the Clean Slate Act and Fresh Start Act. Learn more in this update from Reginald Darby, Federal Legislative Director.