September 20, 2022–Due Process Institute strongly encouraged Members of the House Committee on the Judiciary to support the Clean Slate Act, H.R. 2864, and the Fresh Start Act, H.R. 5651, which are supported by bipartisan groups of House members across the ideological spectrum.
Even the most minor of offenses—including those that don’t result in prison time—can impact an individual for many years. A criminal record can significantly hinder job, education, and housing opportunities, which not only continues the punishment for the individual long after his or her sentence, but also likely has an adverse impact on public safety because it increases the likelihood of that person’s recidivism.
The Clean Slate Act would provide for the automatic sealing of records for simple possession of a controlled substance under 21 U.S.C. § 844 or records for any federal nonviolent marijuana offense—one year after someone has completed any potential prison sentence. The Clean Slate Act also provides a petition process for the sealing of records for certain nonviolent offenses. Specifically, a person who has been convicted of two or fewer nonviolent offenses can petition a court to seal the record after completing the terms of any sentence. Furthermore, the Fresh Start Act would authorize $50 million annually in state grants for each of the next five fiscal years to help improve existing automatic record-sealing and expungement laws.
The best way to reduce recidivism is to provide a path forward for individuals with a criminal record who seek to improve their lives through education, employment, and housing opportunities.