Today, Congresswoman Lucy McBath (D-GA-06) and Congressman Nathaniel Moran (R-TX-01) introduced the Clean Slate Act in Washington, D.C., coinciding with the conclusion of Second Chance Month. The legislation aims to facilitate reintegration into the workforce for individuals with non-violent criminal records, enabling them to provide positive contributions to society. In parallel, Senators Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) and Rand Paul (R-KY) are leading companion legislation in the Senate.
“The Clean Slate Act reflects a simple but powerful truth: people deserve a second chance,” stated McBath. “This bill is about restoring opportunity, providing pathways to sealing records for non-violent offenders who have served their time and remain on a positive path. I thank my colleagues for their work on this important legislation, and I look forward to getting it signed into law.”
The Clean Slate Act proposes several measures. First, it would automate sealing federal records for nonviolent offenses like simple possession if eligibility criteria are met. Second, it introduces a process for petitioning federal courts to seal records not eligible for automatic relief. Third, the act mandates automatic sealing of records within 180 days for those acquitted, exonerated, or not formally charged. It also sets a two-year waiting period for reapplication after an initial denial of a sealing petition. Additionally, it would allow district courts to provide public defenders for low-income individuals to aid in sealing records, and it shields employers from legal liability tied to sealed records.
The legislation has received endorsements from organizations including Due Process Institute, Center for American Progress, Conservative Political Action Conference, Unify.US, Brennan Center for Justice, Faith and Freedom Coalition, JPMorgan Chase & Co. PolicyCenter, and Dream.org.
