Bipartisan Support to Restore Justice in California

On Wednesday, August 22, AB 1793 passed in the California Legislature with bipartisan support. This is an important and overdue step towards ensuring that Proposition 64 lives up to the voters’ intent. And Code for America will help make it a reality.

AB 1793 streamlines the record clearance process under Proposition 64, and bridges a significant access gap. To date, less than 3% of eligible Californians have petitioned to have their records cleared or changed under Proposition 64.

But delivering on this obligation will require creativity and cooperation. In the digital age, we have the ability to use technology to proactively clear all eligible criminal records and remove a significant barrier to employment, education and housing. As we’ve learned though our Clear My Record tool, it is possible now to read state criminal records in bulk, determine eligibility for record remediation under state law, and automatically generate the motions to be filed in court. This use technology equips the government with the ability to implement reforms like AB 1793 and Proposition 64 and alleviate collateral consequences of a criminal record.

Learn more about Clear My Record, and how this technology equips the government with the ability to implement reforms like AB 1793 and Proposition 64, and alleviate collateral consequences of a criminal record.

The Clear My Record prototype, pictured above, lets officials automatically complete thousands of applications for expungement.

With AB 1793, the Legislature has established a policy infrastructure that reinvests in communities by removing barriers that hold eligible Californians back, providing real relief.

We look forward to partnering with counties across the state.