On November 16 NYS Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation, which allows certain criminal records to be sealed years after an individual is sentenced or released from incarceration if that individual is not subsequently convicted of an additional criminal act. Following their release from any incarceration, records of individuals with eligible misdemeanor convictions will be sealed after three years and those with certain felony convictions, after eight years.
The Clean Slate Act (S.7551A/A.1029C ) will not seal the records of individuals convicted of sex crimes, murder or other non-drug Class A felonies. Law enforcement, prosecutors, the New York State Education Department, the courts and other groups will continue to have access to all criminal records under this law.
“The best crime-fighting tool is a good-paying job. That’s why I support giving New Yorkers a clean slate after they’ve paid their debt to society and gone years without an additional offense,” Governor Hochul said.
Representing North Brooklyn, NYS Senators Julia Salazar and Kristen Gonzalez and NYS Assembly Members Emily Gallagher all co-sponsored the legislation.
The Greenline 