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Clean Slate in States
Twelve states have passed laws that meet our criteria, most through campaigns led by the Clean Slate Initiative, and there are active campaigns in many more. Learn more about Clean Slate efforts across the country.
Clean Slate Gains Momentum Across the Country
Twelve states have passed laws that meet our criteria, most through campaigns supported by The Clean Slate Initiative. Additionally, there are active Clean Slate campaigns in many states, and grassroots work building support for future efforts are underway in states across the country.
Clean Slate Policy Criteria
The Clean Slate Initiative (CSI) and state-based partners build coalitions to pass Clean Slate laws at the state and federal levels. While CSI advocates for expansive and comprehensive record sealing legislation, the minimum criteria a state law must meet to meet CSI standards include:
- Automation of record sealing;
- Automatic sealing upon eligibility of the record (noting that eligibility varies from state to state);
- Inclusion of arrest records;
- Inclusion of misdemeanor records; and,
- A strong recommendation for laws to include eligibility of at least one felony record.
Policy Information for Lawmakers
State-based efforts rely on partnering with key stakeholders across the political spectrum, like local advocates, national partners, businesses, faith communities, state agencies, county clerks, and lawmakers.
Clean Slate Wins Through the Years
2018: PA
Pennsylvania passes the country's first Clean Slate policy, sparking a movement.
2019: UT & NJ
Two more states pass Clean Slate policies: Utah & New Jersey.
2020: CT & MI
Two more states pass Clean Slate policies: Michigan & Connecticut.
2021: DE + VA
Two more states pass Clean Slate policies: Delaware & Virginia.
2022: CA + OK + CO
Three more states pass Clean Slate policies: Oklahoma, Colorado, & California.
2023: MN + NY
Two more states pass Clean Slate policies: Minnesota & New York.
State Campaigns
To date, 12 states have passed laws that meet CSI's criteria for Clean Slate legislation.
Additionally, there are active Clean Slate campaigns in many states, and grassroots work building support for future efforts are underway in states across the country.
Latest Updates on State Campaigns
How Clean Slate Utah is Transforming Lives Through Expungement
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.
A Second Chance for Massachusetts: Advocating for Clean Slate Legislation
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.
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Second Chance Language: Understanding the Differences Between Types of Record Relief
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.
Support Clean Slate
Your voice and action matter. Share your story to amplify the importance of second chances, or make a donation to help expand access to automated record sealing and opportunity for millions.
