Critics, advocates spar over Clean Slate Act recently signed by Gov. Hochul

Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the law this week which will help those with convictions opportunities to get jobs, stable housing and pursue higher education.

News 12 Staff

Nov 19, 2023, 9:26 PM

Updated 390 days ago

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Some in law enforcement are expressing concerns over the recently enacted Clean Slate Act, which promises millions of New Yorkers with conviction records a second chance.
Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the law this week which will help those with convictions opportunities to get jobs, stable housing and pursue higher education.
"It's another example of prioritizing the rights of criminals as opposed to law abiding citizens. They did not listen to the advice from law enforcement and here we are," says Yonkers PBA president Keith Olson.
"Clean Slate doesn't apply to murders or sex offenses. It doesn't apply to crimes that involve significant violence. We're talking about very low-level crimes. Typically, based on a person's affluence, you get charged or you don't," says civil rights and criminal defense lawyer Mayo Bartlett.
The Clean Slate Act allows the sealing of criminal records of those who have been previously incarcerated but does not apply to those who are currently serving a sentence or are under supervision.