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Mass. advocates push automated ‘clean slate’ to seal eligible criminal records
Summary
Lawmakers and advocates testified before the Joint Committee on the Judiciary in support of H.1811, a bill to automatically seal eligible criminal records after statutory waiting periods, arguing it would increase employment and reduce recidivism; supporters said implementation costs can be offset by long-term economic gains.
Representative Russell E. Keith told the Joint Committee on the Judiciary on Sept. 9 that H.1811 would create an automatic, government-initiated sealing process for eligible criminal records in Massachusetts. “H 1811, an act requiring clean slate, automated record sealing for Massachusetts,” Keith said in opening testimony, adding that “we have over a million people that are affected in this way. That's 1 out of 5 persons here in Massachusetts.”
Supporters from legal aid, advocacy groups and business organizations said the current petition-based process is underused and leaves eligible people locked out of jobs, housing and education. Pauline Kurian of Greater Boston Legal Services told the committee the state’s petition process is slow and inconsistent, creating real barriers: she cited backlogs and mail losses that can keep people…
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