Clean Slate at CPAC: Bipartisan Momentum for Common-Sense Policy

The Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), an annual gathering of conservative political leaders and activists, sets the stage for conservative priorities, and this year, one message stood out: people want their leaders to champion policies that promote safety, accountability, and economic opportunity  — without expanding bureaucracy or government red tape. Record sealing emerged as a powerful bipartisan solution at the intersection of justice reform and economic growth.

A statistic that often surprises people to learn is that 1 in 3 U.S. adults — that’s 70 - 100 million people in America — carry a record. People with records face unemployment rates five times higher than the national average, costing the economy billions in lost wages. Clean Slate policies cut red tape, helping people get back to work, support their families, and contribute to their communities.

That’s why The Clean Slate Initiative showed up in full force at CPAC. Sheena Meade, CEO, Reginald Darby, Federal Legislative Director, Jason Cooper, V.P. of Federal and State Campaigns, and I attended a day of programming with the American Conservative Union Foundation’s Nolan Center for Justice at CPAC. We engaged with policymakers, prosecutors, and thought leaders, bringing home key takeaways to guide our work ahead.

Common Sense Resonates Across Party Lines‍

CPAC reinforced what we already know: Clean Slate is a win for public safety, the economy, and government efficiency. Stakeholders across the political spectrum recognized its ability to boost workforce participation and ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely. The challenge isn’t garnering widespread bipartisan support — it’s turning support into action.

States Are Leading the Way‍

At CPAC, we spoke with state lawmakers, prosecutors, and policy experts who recognize Clean Slate as a practical solution that embodies conservative values. Red-state leaders highlighted their own successful record sealing policies, proving bipartisan solutions work at the state level. The message was clear: people shouldn’t be permanently defined by old, low-level offenses when they’ve demonstrated accountability and a commitment to moving forward crime-free.‍

Federal Action Must Follow

‍While states are driving reform, CPAC conversations reinforced that federal action is needed. The Federal Clean Slate Act would expand opportunity nationwide, ensuring millions more Americans can fully participate in the economy. This state-first approach — where states lead, and federal action follows — aligns with conservative principles of local control and effective governance. 

Clean Slate policies work, and the momentum is growing. The conversations we had at CPAC reaffirmed that this is not just about justice reform — it’s an economic and public safety imperative. Our team is more energized than ever to push for bipartisan action that reflects the broad support Clean Slate deserves.