NYC Gazette

Would Seal Non-Violent, Low-Level Incarceration Records

Minor Incarceration Records Create Large Barriers in Everyday Life

Washington D.C. - Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) joined Representatives Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DL) and Nancy Mace (SC-1) in introducing the Clean Slate Act to automatically seal federal arrest records for individuals not convicted and records for individuals convicted of low-level, nonviolent drug offenses as well as establishing new procedures to allow individuals to petition to seal records for other nonviolent offenses that are not automatically sealed. This legislation would remove barriers faced by formerly incarcerated individuals and provide a fresh start to participate in society.

Even low-level offenses that do not lead to a conviction can result in major barriers to employment, securing housing, and accessing education.

“In order to ensure that Americans who were previously incarcerated on nonviolent, low-level offenses are able to reintegrate into society, we must remove barriers that make it impossible for these individuals to return as productive members of society,” Congressman Dan Goldman said. “In order to reduce recidivism and assist those who have paid their debt to society, we must make it possible for formerly incarcerated individuals to find a place to live, a place to work, or go back to school. Sealing these records allows people a second chance to build a lawful, thriving life.”

The Clean Slate Act will allow formerly incarcerated individuals or those without convictions to participate fully in society. This legislation would not seal records of sex offenders, those convicted of terrorism, treason, or any other national security-related crimes.

Currently, more than one in three adults have a form of a criminal record that keeps them from everyday life due to about 94 percent of employers, 90 percent of landlords, and 72 percent of universities and colleges use background checks to screen applicants. Sealing the records would remove barriers to finding employment, securing housing, and accessing education.

Original source can be found here.