New York State will be letting many formerly incarcerated people have their criminal records sealed.
The Clean Slate Act that Governor Hochul just signed into law gives those who have paid their price for a crime an opportunity to have their criminal records hidden when applying for a job and housing. This is after three years have passed for misdemeanors and eight years for certain felonies. Sex, murder and other crimes are not eligible. Assembly member Catalina Cruz sponsored the legislation.
"They can escape the plague of poverty and the distorted criminal justice system that prevents families and communities from advancement and redemption and moving forward."
This should impact more than two million New Yorkers. Police and school officials still have access to all records. The law goes into effect in a year.