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.

At CSI, we believe in second chances — and that belief resonates across the political spectrum. Our latest research brief, Bipartisan Support for Clean Slate Laws, offers compelling data on the widespread support for automatic record sealing among people who have received a Clean Slate. Learn more in this update from Dr. Laura Chavez, Director of Research & Data.

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.

Republican lawmakers have a unique opportunity in 2025: They can build the momentum of Clean Slate by championing the legislation at the state and federal levels, and play a leading role in unlocking opportunities for millions of Americans, boosting our economy, and making our communities safer. Learn more in this contributed update from Jason Pye, Vice President at Due Process Institute.

Code for America’s Advocates Guide focuses on ensuring that Clean Slate policies are set up for success by keeping in mind the key needs for implementation from the start of the policy planning process. Learn more in this contributed update from Candice Millsap, Senior Program Manager, Clear My Record at Code for America.

We’re calling on the Trump-Vance administration to prioritize federal Clean Slate legislation within their first 100 days in office by passing Federal Clean Slate legislation, launching federal record clearing programs, and raising awareness about Clean Slate. Learn more in this update from Reginald Darby, Federal Legislative Director.

On January 1, 2025, Minnesota opened the door to brighter futures for an estimated 500,000 Minnesotans with the implementation of its Clean Slate law. This landmark policy automates the sealing eligible arrest or conviction records, giving hundreds of thousands of people a second chance. Learn more in this update from Caitlin Dunklee, Campaign Strategist.

At CSI, research is more than just numbers — it’s a tool for transformation. Here’s a look at some of the research projects we tackled in 2024 and how they’re shaping the future of Clean Slate work. Learn more in this update from Dr. Laura Chavez, Director of Research & Data.

CSI supported partners’ work in over fifteen states in 2024. These efforts are building momentum and paving the way for even greater successes ahead. Learn more in this update from Erik Altieri, Director of Campaigns.

How can we bring conversations about Clean Slate to life in a way that resonates with family and friends? It’s all about connection and shared values. Learn more in this update from Morgan Kelly, Senior Marketing & Communications Strategist.

The holiday season is a time for second chances. Clean Slate laws embody hope and second chances, and CSI’s Storyteller Series includes stories of people who have received a Clean Slate. Those stories offer a beacon of hope to others still waiting for their own second chance. Learn more in this update from Stacey Ferguson, VP of Marketing & Communications.

Forgiveness and generosity aren’t just Thanksgiving principles. For many people, they’re core values — that’s one of the reasons support for Clean Slate has gained so much momentum: People believe in the power of redemption. Learn more in this update from Sheena Meade, CEO. Learn more in this update from Sheena Meade, CEO.

As part of our “Changing the Narrative” campaign, we produced a Clean Slate Public Service Announcement, titled “For The Record,” that illustrates one of the core principles of our work: “People should not be defined by their records.” Learn more in this update from Stacey Ferguson, VP of Marketing & Communications.

November 16 marked the one-year anniversary of NY Governor Hochul signing the state’s Clean Slate Act, which is among the nation’s most expansive and inclusive legislation to seal old conviction records. What does that mean, and what comes next? Learn more in this update from Clean Slate New York partners at the Center for Community Alternatives.

On Veteran’s Day, as we honor those who served, one of CSI’s own reflects on her journey — one that intersects the pride of wearing a military uniform and the barriers imposed by having an arrest or conviction record. Learn more in this update from Bry Jones, Marketing & Communications Team Coordinator.

Each weekday morning, "CBS Mornings" brings viewers the latest breaking news, smart conversation, and in-depth feature reporting — and on October 23, they invited our CEO, Sheena Meade, to join the broadcast. Learn more in this update from Sheena.

So far, Clean Slate laws have passed in twelve states, and three states have led the way with implementation: Pennsylvania, Utah, and Michigan. But what has been the real impact of these policies on the lives of people who live with a record? Our new report begins to answer that question. Learn more in this blog post by Dr. Laura Chavez, Director of Research & Data.

The Clean Slate Initiative (CSI) today announces the results of a groundbreaking survey that provides the first comprehensive confirmation of the effectiveness of Clean Slate policies in Utah, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. Conducted by YouGov, the survey polled 800 individuals with arrest or conviction records to assess how Clean Slate laws are transforming lives by sealing eligible arrest and conviction records.

California’s Clean Slate law is a significant development in the national effort to provide automated record relief for millions of people who have records in America. As support for passing and implementing Clean Slate laws continues to grow, studies like these are how we can determine what’s working and what’s not — learn more in this blog post from CSI and California Policy Lab.

This year at CSI’s 2024 Annual Convening, we had the privilege of featuring Philadelphia-based artist Mark Loughney. Mark is a justice-impacted painter, draftsman, and portraitist, whose art acts as a national courier for justice reform efforts. Learn more about Mark’s work in this blog post by Bry Jones, Marketing & Communications Team Coordinator.