Bill · S. 1580· Senate(119-S-1580)
Clean Slate Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 5/1/2025
- Last activity
- 5/1/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Lisa Blunt Rochester
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This legislation is known as the Clean Slate Act of 2025. It requires the automatic sealing of certain federal criminal records for individuals who were arrested without being convicted, or who were convicted of specific nonviolent marijuana offenses or simple drug possession. The bill also establishes a petition process for eligible individuals with other nonviolent offenses to request that their records be sealed. Sealed records are generally protected from public access, removed from background checks, and protected from perjury laws when individuals fail to disclose them in most everyday situations. However, law enforcement and courts can still access these sealed records for specific official purposes and investigations. Additionally, the bill provides immunity from liability for employers who hire individuals whose records have been sealed under these provisions.
Yes· 3 of 13
Does this shorten or soften prison sentences?+7
The legislation mandates the automatic sealing of records for certain nonviolent offenses and provides a petition process for others, aiding reentry and reducing the collateral consequences of convictions.
Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this?+6
Young adults who make nonviolent mistakes or have low-level drug convictions benefit significantly from having their records sealed to start their careers.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+6
The inclusion of fee waivers for indigent petitioners ensures low-income individuals can access record sealing and improve their employment prospects.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Section 2, adding Section 3560(b): This provision requires the automatic sealing of records for individuals arrested for federal offenses who are not convicted, or for those convicted of simple possession or nonviolent marijuana offenses after they finish their sentences. This is positive because it helps folks move on with their lives and find jobs without a past mistake constantly haunting them.
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Section 2, adding Section 3560(c)(2): This part protects individuals from being prosecuted for perjury if they do not disclose sealed information on job applications or in everyday life. This is a common-sense win that ensures everyday people are not trapped in a cycle of dishonesty just to secure a livelihood.
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Section 2, adding Section 3560(i) and Section 3560A(f): These provisions grant immunity from liability to employers who hire individuals with sealed records. This is beneficial because it encourages businesses to give folks a second chance without fearing lawsuits if something goes wrong related to the sealed past.
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Section 2, adding Section 3560A(b) and Section 3560A(c)(7): This creates a petition process for certain nonviolent offenders to request record sealing, complete with a fee waiver process for indigent petitioners. This ensures that folks who cannot afford court fees still have a fair shot at clearing their names.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Section 2, adding Section 3560(c)(4): This section allows law enforcement agencies and courts to continue accessing sealed records for investigatory or prosecutorial purposes and certain background checks. While intended for safety, some folks might worry that sealed records are not truly wiped clean from the government's reach.
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Section 2, adding Section 3560(e): This provision imposes fines or up to one year in prison for anyone who knowingly accesses or discloses a sealed record in a prohibited manner. This is a heavy penalty, though it is designed to protect people's privacy from bad actors who try to snoop.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For African Americans+6Good For Hispanic Americans+6Good For Low Income Households+6Good For Young Adults+6Good For Business Owners+5Good For Immigrants+4
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Criminal Sentencing Reform+7Improves Poverty Reduction+6Improves Racial Equity+6Reduces Homelessness+4
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Due Process+5Improves Government Transparency+4
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support+6
- 5/1/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Rand PaulRepublican · Kentucky