ALBANY — Controversial “clean slate” legislation would no longer allow for the sealing of murder charges and other serious crimes after Albany Democrats tweaked the bill’s language Monday.
The proposal would allow convicted felons to apply to have their convictions expunged from their records after completing their sentences, parole and probation, as well as three years for misdemeanors and seven years for felonies.
Limiting the scope of the bill, which also exempts sex crimes, Albany Democrats on Friday came close to a final deal on passing the bill before the scheduled end of the 2023 legislative session.
“This is the closest we’ve ever been to a clean slate,” state Sen. Zelenor Maire (D-Brooklyn), who is sponsoring the bill, told reporters last week.
“The unprecedented level of support has never been greater than it is now. So… I’m cautiously optimistic that we’ll get it done.”
Assemblywoman Catalina Cruz (D-Queens), who is carrying the bill in her chamber, did not immediately comment.
Sex crimes were disqualifying under a previous version of the bill, including a carve-out for law enforcement, courts, district attorneys, schools, and the DMV to access records when screening job applicants.
The list of exemptions will now include all Class A offenses except drug offenses while less serious offenses such as manslaughter will remain eligible for the ceiling.
Gov. Cathy Hochul has expressed support for signing the bill into law after it passed the state legislature.
But the bill, which has the support of organized labor and big business, has been approved in recent weeks to allow the vast majority of convictions to be removed from the eyes of potential employers as part of an effort to give convicted felons a second chance. has faced criticism in
“There is no end to the Democrats’ pro-crime policy making. Second chances are important, but people have a right to make informed decisions,” Assembly Minority Leader William Barkley (R-Fulton) told The Post last week. “A clean slate would be another win for career criminals, and another loss for public safety in New York.”
This is a developing story.
