A ‘Clean Slate’: Hochul signs act that lets New Yorkers put their criminal records under seal

Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the Clean Slate Act into law Thursday, creating a path for millions of New Yorkers to seal their criminal records and clear obstacles to housing, education, and jobs.

The Clean Slate Act, which Hochul inked into law at the Brooklyn Museum on Thursday, will automatically seal most conviction records after a waiting period, provided a person is no longer on parole and has not reoffended. Misdemeanor convictions will be sealed three years after the completion of a sentence, while eligible felonies will be sealed after eight years.