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. Despite their efforts to turn their lives around, the stigma of a past record often leaves them locked out of opportunities that could help them build a better future for themselves and their families and improve their communities. This is where Clean Slate legislation comes in—a common sense policy that offers individuals a second chance by automating the sealing of records for people who meet the requirements. 

As leaders in the Clean Slate Massachusetts Coalition, we are committed to advancing justice and equity in the Commonwealth. We proudly stand alongside those who have been directly impacted by the criminal legal system, advocating for legislative change that can open doors and create new pathways to success. Clean Slate is a policy that will allow people in Massachusetts to move forward, free from the lifelong consequences of a past mistake or injustice.

The Power of Clean Slate

Clean Slate legislation is designed to automate the sealing of arrest and conviction records for individuals who have met the criteria for sealing certain eligible offenses (if they’ve completed their waiting period with no new offenses, for example). Their records will be sealed through an automated process, removing the legal barriers that have long prevented them from securing employment, housing, or volunteering with children. 

In Massachusetts, 1.1 million people have a past record. People of color are disproportionately overrepresented in the number of people who are burdened by those records. We are talking about our neighbors, family members, and community members who are working hard to rebuild their lives after making past mistakes or being the victim of injustice. The obstacles they face, from securing a job to finding safe and affordable housing, are daunting. Clean Slate will give them the chance to rebuild their lives and contribute to the well-being of our communities without the constant reminder of a past mistake they’ve already paid for.

Why Clean Slate Matters

When someone is held back by a past record, the impact extends beyond that individual—it affects their families, their communities, and the economy at large. In a time when Massachusetts is working to recover from a global pandemic and build a stronger, more inclusive economy, Clean Slate offers a unique opportunity to invest in people who have the potential to contribute significantly to the workforce and the local economy.

Moreover, studies show that individuals who have their records sealed are more likely to stay out of the criminal justice system, improve their financial stability, and become positive contributors to society. By adopting Clean Slate, Massachusetts will be taking a bold step toward a more just, inclusive, and prosperous future for all.

Photos from the Massachusetts Lobby Day for Clean Slate on February 5, 2025. Photos by Eric Haynes for Clean Slate Massachusetts.

The Massachusetts Lobby Day for Clean Slate: A Powerful Moment

On February 5, 2025, our coalition joined dozens of advocates and directly impacted individuals for a Lobby Day at the State House to amplify the call for Clean Slate legislation. This powerful event brought together the voices of people directly affected by past records, who spoke movingly about how their records continue to impede efforts to rebuild their lives.

Directly impacted advocates shared personal stories of struggle—stories of job applications rejected, rental applications denied, barriers to volunteering at their child’s school, and dreams deferred—all because of an old record that no longer reflected who they are or what they’ve accomplished. These voices were not just a plea for legislative action; they were a testament to the transformative power of second chances.

The support we saw on February 5th demonstrates that this is not just a policy issue — it’s a moral one. The advocates who came together that day represented a broad and diverse coalition, from those with lived experiences to elected officials who recognize the importance of a fair and equitable criminal legal system. They understand that Clean Slate isn’t only about sealing records, it’s about ensuring people have the opportunity to thrive, contribute to society, and be judged by their actions in the present, not the mistakes or injustices of the past.

A Call to Action for Massachusetts

We urge our legislators to pass Clean Slate legislation this session. We encourage you to add your voice to the call for change—whether by contacting your local lawmakers, attending advocacy events, or simply spreading the word about the importance of second chances. You can find ways to get involved on the Clean Slate Massachusetts website.

We must remember that behind every record is a person who has the potential to make a positive impact. Clean Slate is not just about sealing records—it’s about sealing the door to a past that no longer defines the person standing in front of us today. It’s about opening a door to new possibilities, new opportunities, and a brighter future for all. It’s about creating opportunities to strengthen communities by increasing an individual’s earning potential. 

The time for action is now. Together, we can ensure that Massachusetts is a place where second chances are not just possible, but a reality for all.