Davis-Backed Clean Slate Act Streamlines Record Sealing and Expands Second Chances

CHICAGO — The Clean Slate Act, championed by state Rep. Lisa Davis, D-Chicago, will automatically seal minor criminal offenses once they become eligible, eliminating costly red tape that has long stood in the way of rehabilitation for thousands of residents throughout the state.

“This bill builds on the progress we’ve made to make criminal justice reform a true priority in Illinois,” Davis said. “As a public defender, I’ve seen firsthand how confusing and expensive the record-sealing process can be. The Clean Slate Act tears down those barriers and ensures everyone has a fair shot at rebuilding their lives.”

Davis sponsored House Bill 1836 to simplify and modernize Illinois’ approach to record sealing. Instead of forcing people to navigate a lengthy and expensive process, the law will make eligible minor offenses automatically sealed — allowing individuals to move forward without unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles.

While sealed records will remain accessible to law enforcement agencies and state’s attorneys’ offices, they will be effectively invisible to employers and those conducting routine background
checks. The change will help government offices operate more efficiently and remove barriers that keep qualified Illinoisans from housing and employment opportunities.

The Clean Slate Act passed both chambers of the General Assembly and now awaits the governor’s signature.