‘Clean Slate Act’ passes both New York Senate and Assembly Legislative Chambers

ALBANY, NY- The 2023 Legislative Session has officially wrapped up and lawmakers from both houses passed a last-minute, yet long-debated bill that will essentially seal the criminal records of misdemeanor and felony offenders after a certain time period.

That time frame would be three-years for convicted misdemeanor offenders and eight-years for convicted felony offenders.

If such offenders can keep out of any further trouble during those windows, their criminal records will ultimately be sealed. 

“This legislation is not about criminal justice only. It isn’t just about public safety. It isn’t just about economic justice. It isn’t just about equity and fairness,” Assemblywoman Catalina Cruz, the bill’s Assembly sponsor said. “It’s about redemption.”

There are exceptions to the measure, where the most serious crimes need not apply, such as murder and other major offenses.

The passage of New York’s Clean Slate Act has drawn an uproar from Republicans, most of whom do not approve. “Clean Slate automatically seals the records of narcotic offenses, child endangerment, strangulation, assault on a police officer and hate crimes,” said Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R, C-Black River).

“These are offenses that greatly impact the community, our criminal justice system and most importantly, victims. This bill is not fit to be passed and any legislator who votes for it is irresponsible and doing a disservice to the thousands of New Yorkers pleading for public safety.”

To clarify, criminal records would only be sealed for offenders who are not on probation/parole and have no pending charges against them.

Image via the office of New York State Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush.