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Pritzker Signs Illinois Clean Slate Act, Launching Automatic Sealing for Many Nonviolent Records

The measure positions Illinois for automated record relief to lower barriers to jobs, housing, education.

Overview

  • Roughly 1.7–2 million residents with eligible nonviolent convictions, dismissed cases or reversed charges will qualify for automatic sealing from public view.
  • The statute takes effect June 1, 2026, with automated sealing for the public slated to begin by Jan. 1, 2029 as agencies complete system upgrades.
  • The Illinois State Police will identify eligible records dating back to 1970, and circuit court clerks will carry out the sealing and notify local law enforcement.
  • Serious offenses such as violent crimes, sex crimes, DUIs and human trafficking are excluded, while police, prosecutors, courts and regulated entities retain access.
  • The Pritzker administration estimates about $20 million over five years for technology upgrades, with supporters citing reduced recidivism and a projected $4.7 billion boost in recovered income despite some GOP objections.