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Pritzker Signs Illinois Clean Slate Act to Automate Sealing of Eligible Criminal Records

The measure excludes violent crimes, sex crimes, DUIs and human trafficking, with automation slated to begin by 2029.

Overview

  • Gov. JB Pritzker signed the Clean Slate Act into law at a Chicago event alongside advocates and legislators.
  • Automated record sealing by the Illinois State Police and Circuit Courts is scheduled to start on January 1, 2029.
  • Serious offenses are ineligible for automatic sealing, including violent crimes, sex crimes, DUIs and human trafficking.
  • Advocates with groups such as Live Free Illinois led door‑knocking, phone banking and lobby days that helped drive passage in the October 2025 veto session.
  • Supporters say the law could immediately help more than two million eligible people and project economic gains of roughly $4.7 billion along with lower recidivism.