Minnesota Passes Clean Slate!
Blog Post by Erik Altieri, Campaign Strategist
Minnesota just became the 11th state to pass legislation that meets The Clean Slate Initiative’s criteria for “Clean Slate” legislation.
On May 17, Governor Walz signed SF 2909, the Omnibus Judiciary and Public Safety appropriations bill, making Minnesota the 11th state to enact comprehensive Clean Slate legislation! Minnesota joins the growing list of states that are modernizing the record-sealing process to ensure a conviction isn’t a life sentence to poverty — the support behind Clean Slate policies is bipartisan and building momentum at a steady pace.
Right now, roughly 1 in 4 Minnesotans have a record that can prevent meaningful access to employment, housing, and education opportunities. Updating the current expungement process for those people would remove some of the barriers they face when seeking to create a better life for themselves and their families after successfully completing their sentence. Minnesota’s automated record-sealing policy is set for implementation in January 2025.
We extend a huge congratulations to our allies in Minnesota, including Justice Action Network and Code for America, who have worked tirelessly to bring Clean Slate to the North Star state.
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.
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