The Pennsylvania state legislature passed HB 689, legislation that builds on the state’s groundbreaking 2018 Clean Slate law by expanding access to second-chance opportunities for people with felony convictions. The bill passed with broad bipartisan support and was immediately signed into law earlier today by Governor Josh Shapiro.

This year Texas lawmakers missed an opportunity to advance a Clean Slate policy that would have improved the lives of more than three million Texans, offering a meaningful opportunity for a second chance after obtaining an arrest or conviction record. Read more in this guest blog post by Tracie Burkhart, someone whose life would have been impacted by this important legislation.

On Friday, September 23, 2023, Sheena Meade joined a panel conversation hosted by the U.S. DOJ's Office of the Pardon Attorney: “The Case for Second Chances: A Conversation About Criminal Justice, Collateral Consequences and Clemency.” Learn more about the panel event in this blog post by Reginald Darby, CSI’s Legislative Director.

The belief in redemption is something most of us share — that’s why over 70% of voters, across party lines, support second chances through Clean Slate policies. Learn more about the importance of bipartisan support for Clean Slate in this blog post by Sheena Meade, CEO of The Clean Slate Initiative.

On April 27, 2023, Congress introduced two bills that could unlock opportunities for millions of people in America: the Clean Slate Act and the Fresh Start Act — two common-sense, bipartisan bills that would finally provide some relief to millions of Americans who often face lifelong economic barriers because of a past federal record. Learn more about the bills in this blog post.

Earlier today, a $75 million commitment to The Clean Slate Initiative (CSI) was announced at the TED2023 conference. The investment will fund a large portion of the organization’s strategy to pass laws in 15 states in the next six years that expand eligibility and streamline the clearance process for arrest or conviction records, ultimately unlocking opportunities for 14 million people in America — a strategy that’s been met with overwhelming support across political divides…

“The work of Clean Slate Michigan partners has inspired other states around the country to ensure working people have a meaningful chance at building a better life for themselves and their families,” said Sheena Meade, CEO of The Clean Slate Initiative. “Michigan’s Clean Slate law passed with overwhelming bipartisan support because Clean Slate policies are good for the economy and improve community safety. The Clean Slate Initiative and our Michigan partners will continue to work with state agencies to ensure this process works as lawmakers intended and everyone who is eligible has their shot at redemption.”

Second Chance Month aims to raise awareness about the importance of ensuring people have access to meaningful opportunities after obtaining an arrest or conviction record. Clean Slate policies have created the largest impact of second chance efforts in recent years, made possible by sustained bipartisan support at the state and federal levels. As a result, over one million people in America have received a second chance through automated record sealing of eligible arrest or conviction records. Millions more are in line to have their record automatically sealed as additional states implement policies already signed into law and more states continue to advance additional Clean Slate legislation.