THE PROBLEM
States have led the way in passing automatic record clearance policies, paving the way for more than 14 million people to receive full record clearance in the 12 states that have passed legislation meeting The Clean Slate Initiative’s policy minimums.
Currently, however, there is no standard process for the clearance of federal records. There are very limited avenues for someone to clear a federal record, like when an arrest or conviction was found to be invalid or a clerical error was made, but those opportunities are comparatively rare.
The federal government does have a pardon process in place, which is different from record clearance because the pardon simply “forgives” the crime — it does not clear a person’s record. Therefore, even for those who are able to receive a federal pardon, their record can still be a barrier, blocking access to housing, employment, education, and more.
THE SOLUTION
The solution to this federal second chance challenge is simple: Clean Slate. Codifying Federal Clean Slate policies would create the first-ever standard process for federal record clearance, expand access to second chances by automating the clearance of eligible records, and help fiscally support state efforts to implement Clean Slate policies.
Once people complete their sentence and remain crime-free for a period of time, they deserve the opportunity to live a life that is not restrained by the barriers of their record. By passing federal Clean Slate legislation, Congress can give people in America a second chance to live productive and fulfilling lives.
The bipartisan support of second chances, nationwide and in the 118th Congress, demonstrates a 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.
IT’S TIME FOR ACTION!
In the past two Congresses, lawmakers have introduced bipartisan Clean Slate legislation that would:
Create the first-ever process for sealing a federal arrest or conviction record,
Automatically seal federal simple possession or nonviolent records involving marijuana, and
Create a federal grant program enabling states to apply for federal funds to implement Clean Slate laws.
But Congress hasn’t gotten those bills across the finish line.
Take action today and urge your members of Congress to prioritize federal Clean Slate legislation in 2025 and support states that have led the charge in cutting red tape and streamlining the record-sealing process.
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