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Updates from CSI
Check out the latest updates about Clean Slate, partner efforts, recent events, and more.
States of Clean Slate: End of Year Wrap Up
In 2025, Clean Slate campaigns turned momentum into measurable change. With new laws passed, systems improved, and implementation advancing across the country, more than 18 million people are now closer to freedom from the lifelong barriers of a record.
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Eight Surprising Ways Second Chances Change Lives
Clean Slate policies don’t just remove obstacles; they open doors to dignity, stability, and opportunity in ways many people don’t expect. Learn more in this contributed piece from Pastor Mike McBride, Live Free USA, and Cynthia Simons, Tomorrow's Promise Foundation.
New Research Sheds Light on How Arrest and Conviction Records Harm Families
An old arrest or conviction record doesn’t just impact the person who has it; it can entirely reshape family life — known as symbiotic harms. New research funded by The Clean Slate Initiative explores that ripple effect. Learn more in this update from Dr. Laura Chavez, CSI; Ericka B. Adams, San José State University; Elsa Y. Chen, Santa Clara University; and Sarah E. Lageson, Northeastern University School of Criminology and Criminal Justice and School of Law.
Advocacy Spotlight: Driving Support for Federal Clean Slate with a Week of Action
The Clean Slate Initiative's first-ever Clean Slate Week of Action elevated our federal priorities and demonstrated the profound power of federal Clean Slate support. Learn more in this update from Reginald Darby, Federal Legislative Director.
Five Simple Mistakes That Could Turn into a Lifetime of Punishment
Most people think of an arrest or conviction record as the result of serious crimes — but in reality, even small, everyday mistakes can snowball into lifelong punishment. Learn more in this collaborative contribution from Erik Altieri, CSI, and Heather Canuel, a Directly Impacted organizer.
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.
From Service to Second Chances: A Veteran's Reflection
A veteran reflects on service, loss, recovery, and redemption — sharing how a second chance helped him rebuild his life and rediscover purpose, and how Clean Slate helped him thrive. Read more in this guest contribution from Richard Flanagan.
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.
Five Reasons Businesses Are Embracing Second Chance Policies
More businesses are embracing support for second chance policies — not just because it’s the right thing to do, it’s also good business. Learn more in this guest contribution from Nan Gibson, Executive Director, JPMorganChase PolicyCenter, and Maha Jweied, CEO, Responsible Business Initiative for Justice.
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Roundtable on Second Chances: The Clean Slate Solution
The Roundtable on Second Chances: Clean Slate Solution is now available to watch on CSI’s YouTube channel. Learn more in this update from Alex Williams, Chief of Staff.
Connecticut Keeps Its Promise: Clean Slate Automated Erasures Move Forward
After years of delay, Connecticut’s Clean Slate automated record erasures are finally moving forward. Learn more in this update from Katie Svoboda-Kindle, Implementation Director.
