While the law does not apply to serious crimes such as murder, DUI, and domestic assault, it does apply to certain crimes, including theft, drug possession, and disorderly conduct.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed the Clean Slate Act into law on Friday, creating an automatic process to seal eligible criminal records for individuals convicted of certain non-violent offenses, including theft and drug possession.
“The Clean Slate Act passed with bipartisan support and with my signature will offer the opportunity for Illinois to create an automatic process to seal the criminal records of those convicted of nonviolent crimes," Pritzker said.
"There is no reasonable public safety justification for making it hard for returning citizens to get a job or housing or an education," he added. "It's a policy guided by punishment rather than rehabilitation."
The governor further argued that the law is "opening up opportunities for those reentering society to live productive, healthy, and stable lives."
The law applies to more than 1.7 million adults in Illinois and requires law enforcement agencies and circuit clerks to seal eligible criminal records without individuals having to file petitions. Implementation is required by 2029.
While the law does not apply to serious crimes such as murder, DUI, and domestic assault, it does apply to certain crimes, including theft, drug possession, and disorderly conduct.
Current law already allows individuals to apply to have qualifying records sealed for certain crimes. The new law now automates the process, requiring legal criminal records be sealed every six months.
According to CBS News, the legislation will affect an estimated 2.2 million Illinois residents’ records be automatically sealed. Illinois is the 13th state to implement an automatic records relief system for non-violent criminals.
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