Pritzker signs Clean Slate Act to automatically seal some criminal convictions
(The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker has signed legislation to automate the state’s record-sealing process for individuals with certain criminal convictions.
The governor signed the Clean Slate Act in Chicago on Friday and said the new law would help 2 million people in Illinois get a fresh start, with increased access to employment, housing and educational opportunities.
“There is no reasonable public safety justification for making it hard for returning citizens to get a job or housing or an education. It’s a policy guided by punishment rather than rehabilitation,” Pritzker said.
According to the governor’s office, eligible individuals’ records will be automatically sealed after completion of sentence plus a two-waiting period for misdemeanors and a three-year period for felonies.
The governor said individuals with murder, domestic battery, DUI and sex crime convictions are not eligible for record sealing.
According to Pritzker, House Bill 1836 is not just good for the formerly incarcerated.
“This is also good for the Illinois economy. This law will unlock $4.7 billion in lost wages,” the governor asserted.
State Sen. Elgie Sims, D-Chicago, said the Clean Slate Act maintains strong public safety protections.
“Violent crimes, sex crimes, DUIs and human trafficking are excluded from automatic sealing. We’ve been very deliberate in balance redemption with public safety, because both are essential to thriving communities,” Sims said.
Sims said courts, law enforcement and relevant agencies would continue to have access to sealed records.
HB 1836 passed the General Assembly Oct. 30. Some Republican lawmakers voted in favor of the bill but others opposed it.
State Rep. Patrick Windhorst, R-Metropolis, expressed concern about one of the bill’s provisions
“It seems somewhat counterintuitive that we would say those subsequent felonies would still be subject sealing even though the prior law did not allow them to be subject to sealing,” Windhorst said on the House floor.
Clean Slate Initiative CEO Sheena Meade said Illinois is the 13th state to pass Clean Slate legislation.
Representatives from the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association and Illinois Retail Merchants Association attended Friday’s press conference and expressed their support and appreciation for the new law.
HB 1836 takes effect June 1.
Greg Bishop contributed to this story.
Mostly Clear
Latest News Stories
Signature process begins to ban large data centers in Ohio
U.S. Supreme Court agrees to hear veteran’s benefits challenge
Supreme Court declines to hear challenge to Illinois public transport gun ban
Illinois Quick Hits: Report says Pekin Bowling Center ‘taxed out of business’
Tiffany vows to end subsidies for data centers in Wisconsin
Roads & Bridges Committee Approves Over $120,000 for Local Bridge Infrastructure
Litchfield Approves 2026-2027 Student Fees, Mandates Shot Clock Workers in New Officials Pay Scale
Firefighter age bill stalled despite union backing
Williamsville’s Explosive Offense Overwhelms Litchfield in 16-0 Tournament Shutout
Finance and Budget Committee Reaps $11,444 Premium Refund, Shifts Administrative Expenses
Rochester’s Early Offensive Surge Overwhelms Litchfield in 10-0 Shutout
Lawmaker criticizes surplus spending bill
Clark’s Homer and Lurkins’ Shutout Power Greenville Softball Past Litchfield 15-0
Development Committee Advances Wind and Solar Ordinance Updates Amid Public Scrutiny
