Clean Slate Campaign Launches in Rhode Island

The swell of support behind Clean Slate keeps growing, and now, Rhode Island has officially joined the wave.

The Clean Slate campaign has officially launched in Rhode Island with the introduction of the Rhode Island Clean Slate Act (HB 7508), legislation that would automate record sealing for eligible arrest and conviction records. Lawmakers, labor leaders, and community advocates gathered at the State Capitol on March 5, 2026, to mark the campaign’s launch and celebrate the introduction of this milestone justice reform bill.

What the Rhode Island Clean Slate Act (HB 7508) Would Do

An estimated one in three adults in Rhode Island has an arrest or conviction record. Under the proposed Clean Slate Act, approximately 77,000 Rhode Islanders could become eligible to have their records fully sealed.

Right now, even when someone qualifies for record sealing, the process to access that relief is often costly and complicated. Administrative barriers, filing fees, and legal complexity stand in the way, making a person’s record an insurmountable barrier to jobs, housing, and stability. 

HB 7508’s automated record-sealing changes that. It would streamline the process to ensure that the system works as intended: when someone has completed their sentence and remained crime-free, their old record is sealed.

Public safety protections are built into this bill. More serious offenses remain ineligible for sealing, and courts and law enforcement will retain access to records when appropriate.

Built by a Strong Rhode Island Coalition

‍The launch of this campaign reflects years of organizing and coalition-building across the state.

Community advocates, labor leaders, and lawmakers have come together around a shared vision: strengthening Rhode Island’s workforce, expanding access to housing, and ensuring that people who have earned a second chance can fully participate in their communities.

The coalition includes organizations such as Direct Action for Rights and Equality (DARE), Open Doors, and national partners, including The Clean Slate Initiative — all united in the belief that second chances strengthen families, communities, businesses, and the broader economy.

HB 7508 has strong support in the General Assembly, led by Representatives Julie Casimiro (D-Dist. 31, North Kingstown, Exeter) and Cherie L. Cruz (D-Dist. 58, Pawtucket), and Senators Andrew Dimitri (D-Dist. 25, Johnston) and Jake Bassillion (D-Dist. 1, Providence).

As a common-sense workforce policy, the effort has also gained support from the Rhode Island AFL-CIO.

A Proven, Bipartisan Reform

Across the country, Clean Slate laws have passed with strong bipartisan support. To date, 13 states and Washington, D.C., have passed Clean Slate laws, putting more than 18 million adults in America on a pathway to full or partial record sealing. 

Clean Slate is far from a free pass. It’s about making sure those who have taken responsibility for past mistakes can move forward after doing all that’s been asked of them. 

What’s Next for the Rhode Island Campaign

Now that Rhode Island is officially in the race to become the 14th Clean Slate state, the coalition will work to build support for the bill at the State Capitol and on the ground, and CSI will be there supporting their efforts every step of the way.

Rhode Island, we’re just getting started.