Updates from CSI

The Clean Slate Initiative works to pass Clean Slate laws around the country. But we know that passing these laws is just the beginning. Effective implementation is crucial for real change. Learn more in this update from Katie Svoboda-Kindle, Implementation Director.

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.

From state-level victories to federal momentum, groundbreaking research, and narrative change videos that garnered millions of views, CSI’s 2024 Annual Report highlights how our organization has helped drive second chances for people across the country. Learn more about our Annual Report in this update from Sheena Meade, CEO.

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.

At CSI, we believe in second chances — and that belief resonates across the political spectrum. Our latest research brief, Bipartisan Support for Clean Slate Laws, offers compelling data on the widespread support for automatic record sealing among people who have received a Clean Slate. Learn more in this update from Dr. Laura Chavez, Director of Research & Data.

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.

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.

We’re calling on the Trump-Vance administration to prioritize federal Clean Slate legislation within their first 100 days in office by passing Federal Clean Slate legislation, launching federal record clearing programs, and raising awareness about Clean Slate. 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.

At CSI, research is more than just numbers — it’s a tool for transformation. Here’s a look at some of the research projects we tackled in 2024 and how they’re shaping the future of Clean Slate work. Learn more in this update from Dr. Laura Chavez, Director of Research & Data.

CSI supported partners’ work in over fifteen states in 2024. These efforts are building momentum and paving the way for even greater successes ahead. Learn more in this update from Erik Altieri, Director of Campaigns.