SPRINGFIELD – Marking a significant step forward in criminal justice reform, State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. led a transformative approach to providing second chances while maintaining critical public safety protections.

"The Clean Slate Act is about creating pathways to opportunity for people who have earned a second chance," said Sims (D-Chicago). "By automating the sealing process for eligible records, we're removing unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles that keep people from finding employment, securing housing, and fully reintegrating into their communities. At the same time, we've been deliberate in maintaining strong public safety protections and ensuring law enforcement has the access they need."

House Bill 1836 – also known as the Clean Slate Act – would automate the sealing of criminal records that are already eligible under current law, removing the need for individuals to navigate a complex petition process. Non-conviction records would be automatically sealed, but serious crimes like murder, sex offenses, human trafficking, Class X felonies, violent crimes, DUI and domestic battery are excluded from automatic sealing.

While sealed records won't be available to private background check companies, it is important to point out that law enforcement, prosecutors, courts, the Department of Children and Family Services and state agencies authorized by law would retain full access to these records. The legislation aims to prevent eligible individuals from being held back by records that should already be sealed while maintaining public safety protections.

To ensure successful implementation, the measure also would create the Illinois Clean Slate Task Force to monitor the development of processes for sealing criminal records without petition, create a comprehensive implementation plan, and oversee the execution of the measure’s provisions. 

“The passage of the Clean Slate Act represents years of collaboration among criminal justice reform advocates, law enforcement and policymakers committed to balancing redemption with public safety,” said Sims. “This measure reflects Illinois' commitment to evidence-based policy that recognizes the value of second chances while protecting communities.”

House Bill 1836 passed the Senate Wednesday and heads to the House for further consideration.