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Cambridge council endorses 'clean slate' bills to automate sealing of records
Summary
The City Council voted to go on record in support of state 'clean slate' legislation that would automate sealing of eligible criminal records, saying the change would improve employment and housing opportunities for affected residents.
The Cambridge City Council voted to endorse Massachusetts clean-slate legislation that would automate sealing of eligible criminal records, expanding eligibility and cutting administrative delays.
Supporters at the meeting included legal-service providers and students who have worked on criminal record sealing. Pauline Kurian, director of the CORI Reentry Project at Greater Boston Legal Services, told the council the current manual sealing process produces long backlogs and underutilization; she cited months-long waits and said other states have implemented automated sealing. Harvard Law School attorney Julie McCormack and a Harvard Law student, Kaylee Hassan, also testified in favor, describing the practical barriers a criminal record poses to housing, employment and volunteer opportunities.
Councilors who sponsored the policy order noted evidence that sealing records improves employment outcomes and reduces poverty. Councilor Siddiqui, lead sponsor, said the bills would expand access to sealing and reduce the administrative burden that currently prevents eligible residents from moving on with their lives.
The council adopted the resolution; the deputy clerk recorded the vote as eight in favor, one absent. The resolution goes on record as city support for the state measures HD 1811/SD1114 and HD1693/SD1124 and the statewide Clean Slate Massachusetts campaign.
