Overview

• New York Governor Kathy Hochul has signed the 'Clean Slate Act', a law that will seal criminal records for certain offenses after a period of time, making it easier for those with convictions to find employment and housing.
• The law will seal misdemeanor records after three years and certain felony records after eight years, provided the offender does not commit another crime during that time.
• Crimes eligible for sealing include misdemeanors such as disorderly conduct, larceny, and vandalism, as well as non-violent felonies like money laundering and insurance fraud. Class A felonies like murder, predatory sexual assault, terrorism, arson, and kidnapping are not eligible for sealing.
• The law has been met with opposition from some police groups, law-and-order conservatives, and Republicans who argue it hurts victims and removes individual accountability.
• The legislation will take effect one year from the bill signing, and the courts will have until 2027 to seal old records that apply.