New York Governor Signs 'Clean Slate Act' to Seal Criminal Records

The law aims to improve employment and housing opportunities for individuals with certain criminal convictions, despite opposition from some groups.

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.