Clean Slate Act passes, allowing some criminal records to be sealed

Advocates say new law will allow millions access to jobs, housing

Legislators in Albany passed the Clean Slate Act Friday, which will seal the criminal records of New Yorkers who have remained out of trouble since their convictions, providing them with a path to employment and educational opportunities.

The legislation must be signed by Governor Kathy Hochul, who has indicated support for previous versions of the bill. The mandate will automatically seal the records of people convicted of some misdemeanors and felonies who aren’t on probation or parole and do not have criminal charges pending. Those who were sentenced to a misdemeanor will have their records sealed three years following their release from incarceration or sentencing, while those convicted of a felony must wait eight years before their records will be sealed.