Speakers: Kristin Bechtel (RTI International), KiDeuk Kim (Urban Institute), Alissa Skog (California Policy Lab), Derek Veitenheimer (SEARCH)
Moderator: Laura Chavez (The Clean Slate Initiative)
Criminal records can severely impact individuals' lives, restricting access to safety-net benefits and job opportunities. However, in recent years, 12 states have enacted “Clean Slate” laws, leveraging technology to automate record relief for eligible individuals who maintain a clean record for a specified period.
This roundtable brings together researchers from various states to discuss the status and complexities of Clean Slate legislation. The discussion will begin by outlining research and policy perspectives on the barriers posed by a criminal record, providing a foundation for a deeper exploration of Clean Slate policies. Speakers will also analyze differences in who has received relief and which records have been cleared across states.
Additionally, the roundtable will delve into the challenges states face in implementing Clean Slate laws, highlighting successful strategies and ongoing obstacles. We will also discuss the current state of research, identifying gaps and barriers to studying key aspects, such as notification. Ultimately, this session aims to provide valuable insights for policymakers and inspire new research to improve the implementation and evaluation of Clean Slate legislation nationwide.
