Federal

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.

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.

People often equate mental health challenges to walking through a dense fog. For someone struggling with their mental health, while also living with the consequences of an arrest or conviction record, that fog can be even thicker. With Clean Slate, we can create better conditions. Read more in this blog post by Morgan Kelly, Marketing & Communications Strategist.

H.R. 2930 and S. 5266 make up the Federal Clean Slate Act of 2023. Read this update by Reginald Darby, Federal Legislative Director, to learn why we need a Federal Clean Slate.

September 13, 2024, marks 30 years since President Bill Clinton signed the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, a bill that overwhelmingly increased the number of people living with records. That bill serves as a sobering reminder of the impact a president can have on our legal system. Read more in this blog post by Sheena Meade, CEO.

The support and success behind Clean Slate continue to grow — but it’s not happening by chance. There’s a comprehensive, multi-year strategy behind the work that we do. That strategy is laid out in our Strategic Plan in detail, available on our website, and it involves a few key elements that propel this movement forward every day. Learn more in this blog post by our Chief of Staff, Alex Williams.

Sheena Meade, CEO of The Clean Slate Initiative, addresses campaign strategists, the media, and the general public in an open letter, urging careful consideration of the language used in the final few months of the presidential race.

The stories below highlight a few directly impacted people who are involved in Clean Slate work across the country. Take a few moments to read through their stories and learn more about the impact of redemption… because it’s about much #MoreThanSecondChances.

On Friday, March 29, President Biden issued a proclamation declaring April 2024 as Second Chance Month. This year’s proclamation comes after CSI’s team has been in direct contact with the White House, advocating for Clean Slate at the federal level. Learn more in this blog post by Reginald Darby, Federal Legislative Director.

The Clean Slate Initiative (CSI) continues to advance Clean Slate at the federal level in 2024 — and part of our strategy for that advancement is relationship building on the Hill. Learn more in this blog post by Reginald Darby, Federal Legislative Director.

January is National Poverty Awareness Month, a time dedicated to shining the light on those living in poverty and how our society can help identify solutions that could break the poverty cycle. Clean Slate policies offer a tangible solution to break this cycle. Read more in this blog post by Reginald Darby, CSI Federal Legislative Director.