KIOW: Ernst, Casey Push to Give Americans a "Clean Slate," Seal Records for Past Low-Level, Nonviolent Offenses
During National Reentry Week and “Second Chance” Month, U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-Pa.) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and U.S. House Representatives Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) and Guy Reschenthaler (R-Pa.) are introducing the bipartisan and bicameral Clean Slate Act to give more than 70 million Americans with low-level and nonviolent criminal records a second chance to fully participate in society.
The legislation would remove major barriers for many Americans in finding employment, securing housing, and accessing education by automatically sealing the federal records of individuals convicted of low-level, nonviolent drug offenses after they successfully complete their sentence.
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Inimai Chettiar, Federal Director, Justice Action Network
“A criminal record, even for a low-level drug offense, can lead to a lifetime of obstacles, making it hard for people to find meaningful employment and stable housing, to provide for their families and contribute to their communities. The Clean Slate Act would provide a second chance for people who have turned their lives around, and it’s a perfect way to mark Second Chance Month. Criminal justice reform is still an issue where both parties can come together, and we are grateful to Senators Ernst and Casey, and Representatives Blunt Rochester and Reschenthaler, for reaching across the aisle on this critical issue.”