Statement on the Introduction of the Clean Slate Act of 2023

WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Thursday, April 27, 2023, the Clean Slate Act and the Fresh Start Act were introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives with bipartisan sponsorship.

Reps. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) and Nancy Mace (R-SC) are lead sponsors of the Clean Slate Act and Reps. Trone (D-MD) and Armstrong (R-ND) are lead sponsors of the Fresh Start Act.

These two substantial, bipartisan criminal justice reform efforts would provide some relief to the millions of people who face barriers because of a past arrest or conviction record.

Sheena Meade, CEO of The Clean Slate Initiative, issued the following statement in support of the bills:

“Congress holds the power to unlock opportunities for millions of people in America by passing the Clean Slate Act and the Fresh Start Act. These bills are common-sense measures that will stimulate our economy by opening opportunities for working people and meeting businesses’ workforce needs. The bipartisan championship of second chances demonstrates broad agreement that a past mistake should not be a life sentence to poverty. States have led the way on second chances, and now it’s time for Congress to do its part.”