Clean Slate Act of 2025

# Clean Slate Act of 2025 Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The Clean Slate Act of 2025 would allow people with certain criminal convictions to have their records sealed or expunged after a specified period of time has passed without additional criminal activity. This means those records would generally not show up in background checks for employment, housing, or other purposes. The bill aims to help individuals reintegrate into society by reducing barriers they face due to past convictions, while still maintaining records for law enforcement and other official purposes. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** This legislation would primarily benefit individuals who have completed their sentences and maintained clean records afterward. It would apply to various types of convictions, though the specific crimes covered and waiting periods would depend on the bill's detailed provisions.

The bill could affect employers, landlords, and others who conduct background checks, as they would have more limited access to sealed records. It also impacts criminal justice agencies and courts responsible for managing and sealing these records. **Current Status** As of now, the bill is in committee (S 1580 in the Senate), meaning it is still in the early stages of the legislative process. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) introduced it. The bill has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate.