The Clean Slate Act Is Finally Signed Into Law

NEW YORK (WABC) -- More than two million criminal records will be sealed after Gov. Kathy Hochul signed long-sought Clean Slate legislation. Hochul signed the Clean Slate Act, a landmark piece of legislation, at the Brooklyn Museum on Thursday morning. Under the legislation, a person's felony records will be sealed eight years after conviction or release from prison; three years for a misdemeanor. A clean record must be maintained to qualify for the program. “The Clean Slate Act is a historic step forward with regard to restorative justice and second chances,“ said Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado. “This will allow so many New Yorkers to build a new future for themselves, their families, and their community.“ The bill excludes the most serious criminal convictions like murder, sex crimes and most class A felonies, except those related to drug possession. It goes into effect a year from now, though it will take three more years to clear the records of thos