Guest Contributor

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Communities are safer when people have jobs, stable families, and a real chance to rebuild after a past mistake. Learn more about the benefits of second chances for keeping America safe in this guest contribution from Justin Magnuson, Justice Reform Foundation, and Jason Pye, Due Process Institute.

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.

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.

The 2025 Utah Expungement Summit was a groundbreaking event that demonstrated the power of collaboration, advocacy, and community-driven support. This year’s summit shattered records, reaching more people than ever before and laying the groundwork for even greater impact in the year ahead. Learn more in this guest contribution from Destiny Garcia, Executive Director, Clean Slate Utah.

In Massachusetts, too many people with arrest and conviction records continue to face barriers to employment, housing, education, and more, long after they have paid their debt to society. Clean Slate advocates in the state are working to change that.  Learn more in this guest contribution from Rahsaan D. Hall, Esq. and Reynolds Graves.

Republican lawmakers have a unique opportunity in 2025: They can build the momentum of Clean Slate by championing the legislation at the state and federal levels, and play a leading role in unlocking opportunities for millions of Americans, boosting our economy, and making our communities safer. Learn more in this contributed update from Jason Pye, Vice President at Due Process Institute.

Code for America’s Advocates Guide focuses on ensuring that Clean Slate policies are set up for success by keeping in mind the key needs for implementation from the start of the policy planning process. Learn more in this contributed update from Candice Millsap, Senior Program Manager, Clear My Record at Code for America.