Gordon-Booth-led Clean Slate Act Signed into Law; Automatically Seals Records for Certain Offenses, Helping to Remove Barriers

CHICAGO – A new law spearheaded by state Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth, D-Peoria, will provide residents a second chance by automatically sealing minor court records, helping to remove a significant barrier for jobs, education, housing and other opportunities.

“Court records for low-level offenses have often become a form of permanent punishment, damaging communities and preventing individuals from pursuing the better life they want,” Gordon-Booth said. “Millions of Illinoisans have old arrest records or minor convictions that could be sealed, but the process is often complex and costly. Today, we’re changing that. Today, we’re truly fulfilling the promise that everyone who has transformed their life deserves a second chance.”

Gordon-Booth’s measure, House Bill 1836, was signed into law Friday morning by Gov. J.B. Pritzker. The new law transitions the sealing process for certain criminal and petty offense records from a petition-based process to an automatic one initiated by the Illinois State Police. It does not guarantee that a record will be sealed, it only initiates the process for qualified cases. Certain offenses, such as, but not limited to, murder, sex offenses, bodily harm, no contact orders, Class X felonies and robbery do not qualify for sealing.

House Bill 1836 applies specifically to sealing records, not expunging them. Records that are sealed, while off limits to the public, may still be accessed, if necessary, by law enforcement, prosecutors and sensitive employers, such as daycares and schools.

Timelines for the sealing process vary on offense.

“This is impactful legislation that is the result of years of negotiations between criminal justice reformers, business groups, law enforcement, housing advocates and more,” Gordon-Booth said. “I’m grateful for everyone who helped get us to this moment. This is going to make a big difference for a lot of people.”

For more information, please contact RepJGordon@gmail.com.