State Campaigns

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

Record relief is making headlines across the country as discussions around second chances take center stage. With terms like pardon, clemency, expungement, and Clean Slate frequently appearing in the media, it’s more important than ever to understand the key differences between them. Learn more in this update from Reginald Darby, Federal Legislative Director.

On January 1, 2025, Minnesota opened the door to brighter futures for an estimated 500,000 Minnesotans with the implementation of its Clean Slate law. Learn more in this update from Caitlin Dunklee, Campaign Strategist.