California becomes the eighth state to enact a Clean Slate law
In September 2022, California became the eighth state to enact a Clean Slate law when Governor Gavin Newsome signed Senate Bill 731 (SB 731). The bill expands automatic and petition-based record sealing for a range of offenses, which, according to Californians for Safety and Justice (CSJ), opens the door for record relief for over a million people.
The law would increase access to meaningful employment, housing, education, and other opportunities by sealing records from background searches after people have successfully completed their sentence and remained crime-free for a period of time. The timeframe for eligibility varies based on the severity of the offense, and when necessary, law enforcement will still be able to view record histories.
According to a report from the Little Hoover Commission, approximately eight million people in California currently live with an arrest or conviction record. Under SB 731, arrest records that did not lead to a conviction will also be sealed. Eliminating barriers to employment that people face because of arrest and conviction records will boost the state's economy. Sen. María Elena Durazo, the author of SB 731, noted in a CSJ press release that California loses an estimated $20 billion in gross domestic product every year by excluding people with records from meaningfully contributing to the state's workforce. Expanding access to meaningful opportunities reduces the likelihood of people with records being pushed to society's margins, reducing recidivism and promoting personal economic freedom and community safety.
Another bill signed into law by Governor Newsome will help ensure that public safety and economic benefits are accessible to low-and-moderate income families and communities. Senate Bill 1106 ensures that outstanding court fines and fees are not a barrier to Californians in need of records relief.
More information and analysis about SB 731 and SB 1106 are available on the Collateral Consequences Resource Center website.
More information about the impact of California's Clean Slate law is available on the Californians for Safety and Justice website.
Editor's Note: Clean Slate laws are gaining popularity in states across the country. Since this was published, the number of states that have passed Clean Slate policies may have changed. For the most up-to-date number of Clean Slate states, please check cleanslateinitiative.org/states.
