Old criminal records in New York would be automatically sealed under bill passed by lawmakers

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New Yorkers who commit crimes could have their records automatically sealed if they stay out of trouble for a certain number of years after they have finished serving their sentences under a bill passed by state lawmakers Friday.

The “clean slate” legislation would automatically seal most recent convictions — three years after serving time or parole for a misdemeanor and eight years for felony convictions. Sex crimes and most Class A felonies, such as murder, will not be eligible for sealing.

The state Assembly debated the bill for almost five hours before passing it on a party-line vote, garnering applause and cheers.

The state Senate followed with its own approval late Friday.

Some liberal lawmakers and unions who support the bill say it would give New Yorkers a path forward that is not encumbered by past mistakes.

They say a criminal record often means difficulty obtaining secure work and housing.

Under New York state law, employers can ask about conviction records at any point in the hiring process, but they must consider factors such as whether the conviction has any bearing on the person’s ability to do the job.

But advocates for the legislation say that despite that, those with criminal records face huge barriers to stable employment.

Nearly 2.2 million people in New York have criminal convictions, according to a study by the Data Collaborative for Justice, a research center at John Jay College.

The study is based on New Yorkers who had convictions from 1980 to 2021.

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