Code for America Statement on Passage of Automatic Record Sealing Bill in Illinois

Code for America’s Clear My Record Program Director Alia Toran-Burrell issued the following statement after the Illinois General Assembly passed Clean Slate legislation on October 30:

“Today, Illinois became the 13th state to pass Clean Slate legislation, ushering in a new chapter for an estimated 1.74 million people who could have their records fully or partially sealed under the measure. By shifting the burden of record sealing from individuals to the government, the state is now on track to streamline the process through the use of technology.

“Code for America’s Clear My Record team applauds this news after having collaborated with Illinois to craft an implementable Clean Slate policy. For too many people and for far too long, the record sealing process has been complicated, costly, and time-consuming. Illinois now joins a growing cohort of states across the country making it easier for eligible individuals to have their records sealed. This is a movement aimed at unlocking doors to jobs, housing, and education for individuals and lifting up communities in states nationwide.

“Clean Slate measures are already working to change lives in 12 states and the District of Columbia, and Code for America looks forward to this landmark legislation’s impact in Illinois. Since 2018, Code for America has advised more than 20 states in designing workable policies and providing technical solutions to facilitate automatic record sealing for millions of people. In Illinois, we appreciate the opportunity to have worked alongside The Clean Slate Initiative, lawmakers, and state coalitions and will continue to serve as a resource once the state enacts the measure.

“In Illinois and in every state in which it’s been enacted, Clean Slate legislation reflects Code for America’s fundamental belief that government can—and should—serve people efficiently and effectively.”