Andrade Passes ‘Clean Slate’ Bill, Expanding Career and Housing Opportunities

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Jaime Andrade, D-Chicago, delivered transformational “clean slate” justice reforms, bringing together reformers, law enforcement, and business leaders to expand opportunity for employment, housing, and education by creating an automatic sealing process for thousands of non-violent arrest records. 

“Illinois’ criminal justice efforts hinge on system-involved individuals reentering society and becoming pillars of their communities. Before Clean Slate, that barrier was far too high for most offenders,” Andrade said. “By sealing qualified, nonviolent offender records, we can open up job and housing opportunities for those wanting to turn over a new leaf and especially for those who have been unduly harmed by harsh penalties, extended sentences and an institution that held them back for far too long.” 

More than 2.2 million Illinoisans have an old arrest record or minor conviction that would currently qualify for sealing, but that process can be complicated and costly. It’s estimated that only 10 percent of those eligible have been able to receive relief, making it more difficult for many to qualify for affordable housing, to advance their education, and even to find employment. 

Andrade recently worked to pass the Clean Slate Act (House Bill 1836), which will automatically seal many minor criminal records, ensuring these records are accessible only to law enforcement. Arrests resulting in an acquittal or dismissal will be sealed immediately, while misdemeanor convictions will be sealed after two years. The most serious felonies, domestic abuse convictions, and other violent crimes against persons will not be eligible for sealing. 

The measure is the product of years of negotiation with business groups, law enforcement, housing advocates, and criminal justice reformers.