19-03-2025
Illinois debates Clean Slate Act to seal or expunge eligible criminal records
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — The Illinois Clean Slate Act, currently under consideration in the General Assembly, would create an automated system to seal or expunge eligible criminal records, offering individuals with past convictions a fresh start.
'We talked to over 100 legislators and every one of us that we've talked to so far has been really excited about passing clean slate legislation,' said Rev. Ciera Bates-Chamberlain, the executive director of Live Free.
'The system is problematic,' she continued. 'If everyone who was eligible to have their records sealed went down to the courthouse, it will take 154 years for them to actually seal all of those cases because of the backlog.'
Advocates for the Clean Slate Initiative say that a criminal record creates barriers to employment, housing, and other opportunities.
The plan would automate the process, automatically clearing an offender's record once they become eligible for relief.
Rev. Violet Johnicker, pastor of Brooke Road United Methodist Church, said, 'So, people think, 'oh, well, they've served their time. Why don't they just go get a job?' Because we unfortunately, as a society, and particularly Illinois, continue to place obstacles in the way of those folks who are working to better themselves and be meaningful, doing good contributions back to society So we want to remove those barriers and get themselves back on their feet.'
The Clean Slate Act has been passed in 12 states.
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