Illinois 'Clean Slate' law allows automatic sealing of nonviolent criminal records
ABC7 Chicago • • nation
Key Points:
- Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed the "Clean Slate" Act, which will automatically seal nonviolent criminal records for over 1.7 million adults by 2029, streamlining the current process and removing the need for individuals to apply.
- The law excludes serious offenses such as sexual violence against minors, DUIs, and violent crimes from eligibility, but allows law enforcement and courts continued access to sealed records while restricting public and private background checks.
- The legislation passed with bipartisan support despite Republican concerns over exemptions and cost, estimated at $18 million phased over five years, which advocates argue will be offset by economic benefits from increased employment and reduced recidivism.
- The law aims to unlock $4.7 billion in lost wages annually
