Tag: Clean Slate Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Looks to Expand Record Sealing Program With Clean Slate 3.0 May 11, 2023 Pennsylvania intends to give more people a second chance with a bipartisan bill to eliminate low-level, non-violent felony offenses from their criminal records. In addition, House Bill 689, dubbed Clean Slate 3.0, aims to make it easier for those with previous criminal convictions to find gainful employment and housing. As the name implies, the new bill would expand on Pennsylvania's existing Clean Slate legislation. In 2018, former Governor Tom Wolf signed the original Clean Slate Act into legislation. As such, Pennsylvania became one of the first states in the nation to do so. Since then, ten other states have followed suit with similar laws. Under Pennsylvania's existing Clean Slate law, the state automatically seals records of non-violent misdemeanors if an individual has remained free of any misdemeanor or felony convictions for ten years. Since creating this automated record-sealing system in 2019, it has sealed more than 40 million cases affecting more than 1.2 million individuals. However, the state hopes to expand the program to now include non-violent felony convictions in addition to misdemeanor offenses. This change has received widespread support from state prosecutors, criminal justice reform advocates, and the business community. Representatives Delozier and Jordan Harris intend to sponsor the bill. They would also like to make drug felonies and felonies related to property eligible for sealing after a ten-year waiting period. Specifically, House Bill 689 would: Make drug-related felonies eligible for sealing after ten years without further misdemeanor or felony convictions. Make certain third-degree felonies, such as property-related crimes like theft and forgery, available for sealing after paying all court-ordered restitution to victims and fees upon a judge's granting of a sealing order. Reduce the waiting period for misdemeanor offenses from ten years to seven. Reduce the waiting period for automatic sealing of summary convictions from ten years to five. Release employers from liability for employment decisions related to the lawful use or consideration of voluntarily disclosed criminal history information that has otherwise been sealed or expunged. Business experts have supported the measure due to its ability to expand labor pools to reformed felons. This expansion will benefit employers and those with prior offenses. Pennsylvania can expect a vote by the House Judiciary Committee on the bill soon, followed by the House. With these potential changes, employers should review their procedures for handling criminal history in employment. As such, employers should consider working with a trusted background check provider familiar with state and federal regulations impacting the screening process. Stay updated on all the new rules of compliance with Pre-employ’s free news resources on FCRA, EEOC, and more. Contact a Sales Rep today for more information. Source

Tag: Clean Slate Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Looks to Expand Record Sealing Program With Clean Slate 3.0

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