Pennsylvania’s current Clean Slate Law took effect in 2019, and allows for some criminal histories to be hidden from public view. Now lawmakers are considering an expansion to that existing law.
The new bipartisan House Bill 1826 would extend this current law to cover non-violent drug offenses. Those with low-level drug felonies could have their records sealed if they have lived ten years with no subsequent crimes. HB 1826 also aims to shorten that waiting period to seven years. The new law would not cover violent crimes, those that yielded three or more years in prison, or crimes that involve trafficking. It would also allow those who are arrested but not convicted to have those records sealed immediately.
Katie Svoboda-Kindle of Community Legal Services Inc. of Philadelphia summed it up nicely when she noted the following:
“The bill will expand the impact of Clean Slate and make a real difference in the lives of many Pennsylvanians with old drug felonies. Drug felonies are one of the most common convictions in Pennsylvania. They are everywhere, in rural and suburban counties, as well as urban ones.”
This is a step in the right direction for Pennsylvania, which was the first state to ever enact a clean slate law back four years ago. Over 1 million Pennsylvanians have benefited from the initial Clean Slate Law, with more than 40 million court cases sealed. That’s 1 million people who have more opportunities to embrace without the barrier of a criminal record slowing them down. Imagine if the rest of the country was this proactive in helping its citizens obtain a fresh start without the stigma of criminal histories.
If you’re ready for your second chance, we’re ready to help. Get in touch with Easy Expunctions to make real improvements in your life and experience more employment, housing, and personal opportunities.