Washington, D.C. — Today, on the last day of Second Chance Month, Congresswoman Lucy McBath (D-GA-06) and Congressman Nathaniel Moran (R-TX-01) are introducing the Clean Slate Act. This legislation represents an effort to better afford second chances to individuals who have committed non-violent criminal offenses. Specifically, it would empower those who meet specific criteria to rejoin the workforce and once again make positive contributions to society. Companion legislation in the Senate is led by Senators Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), and Rand Paul (R-KY).

“The Clean Slate Act reflects a simple but powerful truth: people deserve a second chance,” McBath said. “This bill is about restoring opportunity, providing pathways to sealing records for non-violent offenders who have served their time and remain on a positive path. I thank my colleagues for their work on this important legislation, and I look forward to getting it signed into law.”

Background

The Clean Slate Act is a commonsense federal reform bill which would:

·      Establish an automatic process for sealing federal records tied to nonviolent offenses involving simple possession, including marijuana-related charges, once individuals have met the eligibility requirements.

·      Introduce a new legal pathway for individuals to petition federal courts to seal nonviolent offense records that do not qualify for automatic relief. 

·      Mandate that, within 180 days, all arrest and related records be automatically sealed for individuals who were acquitted, exonerated, or never formally charged.

·      Institute a two-year waiting period before individuals can reapply if their initial sealing petition is denied.

·      Empower district courts to assign public defenders to assist low-income petitioners in navigating the process and successfully sealing their records. 

·      Shield employers from legal liability stemming from employee misconduct if the conduct is tied to a sealed record.

The following partner organizations endorse the legislation: Due Process Institute, Center for American Progress, Conservative Political Action Conference, Unify.US, Brennan Center for Justice, Faith and Freedom Coalition, JPMorgan Chase & Co. PolicyCenter, and Dream.org.