Buckner ‘Clean Slate’ Bill Expanding Career and Housing Opportunities Signed into Law

CHICAGO – Completing years of work from reformers, law enforcement and business leaders, the transformational “clean slate” criminal justice reforms that state Rep. Kam Buckner, D-Chicago, helped pass last fall were signed into law today.

“The reality of our criminal justice system is that an offender’s punishment doesn’t end with release from prison or end of probation, the impacts on their life continue for years. Even though a person- especially a member of the Black community-may have paid their debt to society, they still are hit with a harder time getting a job, new roadblocks to owning a home, higher insurance costs and even an increased likelihood of denial for continuing education,” Buckner said. “Getting the Clean Slate Act across the finish line is a major step forward for equity and it will help give people the real second chance they deserve.”

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% 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.

Last fall Buckner, in a continuing commitment to build a more equitable justice system, worked to pass the Clean Slate Act (House Bill 1836), which was signed into law today. It will automatically seal many minor criminal records, ensuring these records are accessible only to law enforcement, prosecutors and sensitive employers-such as daycares and schools. 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.

“A stronger economic future is also dependent on ensuring formerly incarcerated people with minor offenses can become contributing members of the community,” Buckner said. “That can’t happen with the burden of a criminal record hanging around their necks. The Clean Slate Act is a victory for equity, public safety and economic stability, and I’m grateful to everyone who worked so hard to pass it.”