Jun. 28, 2019
HARRISBURG – The new, automatic sealing of criminal records 10 years or older goes into effect today in Pennsylvania, according to Rep. Sheryl Delozier (R-Cumberland), who authored the
Clean Slate Act.
Citizens could petition for Clean Slate in December. Starting now, the automatic process is in place and will work on processing 2.5 million records per month over the next year.
Signed into law by Gov. Tom Wolf one year ago, the Clean Slate Act creates an automated computer process to seal arrests that did not result in convictions within 60 days, summary convictions after 10 years, and some second- and third-degree misdemeanor convictions if there are no subsequent convictions for a period of 10 years. Certain first-degree misdemeanors can be sealed by petition.
“I’m so proud that Pennsylvania became the first state to pass a law like Clean Slate. This initiative helps people move on with their lives and not be haunted by a minor, nonviolent indiscretion a decade earlier,” Delozier said. “These people have turned their lives around without further police interaction. They have paid for their crimes and deserve to interact with landlords and potential employers without the obstacle of a criminal record.”
This law does not apply to violent offenses related to danger of a person; firearms or other dangerous articles; sexual offenses and registration; cruelty to animals; and corruption of minors.
Delozier partnered with Rep. Jordan Harris (D-Philadelphia) to develop the Clean Slate program in Pennsylvania. Their initiatives in the current legislative session include
House Bill 1555 for probation/parole reforms and
House Bill 1477, which would ensure past convictions are not prohibiting someone from obtaining occupational licensure, unless the conviction is related to the career field.
“One of the most exciting aspects of today is that we’re not done,” Harris said. “I’m honored to continue working with Rep. Delozier and bipartisan advocates on probation and parole reform as well as occupational licensure reform. The appetite is there to help Pennsylvanians who have paid their debt to society get the opportunities they need to contribute positively to their community and support their family.”
Representative Sheryl Delozier
88th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Jennifer Fitch
717.260.6335
jfitch@pahousegop.com
RepDelozier.com /
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