SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WTVO) — Illinois lawmakers have passed a measure to automatically seal criminal records for certain nonviolent offenders, expanding the state’s Clean Slate Act.
House Bill 1836 allows crimes that can currently be sealed by petition to be sealed automatically instead. The records would only be sealed if offenders completed their sentences and remained conviction-free for three years after release.
“This does not extend beyond crimes that are currently able to be sealed by petition,” said Sen. Elgie Sims (D-Chicago). “It allows us to deal with the backlog of cases.”
Supporters say the bill will help rehabilitated individuals rejoin the workforce, as many are currently barred from jobs and certifications due to felony records.
The legislation passed both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly and now heads to Gov. JB Pritzker for his signature.
However, Sen. Steve McClure (R-Springfield) opposed the bill, arguing it removes key safeguards. “The problem is that in statute, there are protections to make sure that before someone’s criminal record is sealed, they are rehabilitated,” McClure said. “This bill eliminates those protections.”
Under the measure, the Illinois State Police must seal the first batch of eligible records by January 1, 2030, with automated sealing by Circuit Courts set to begin by January 1, 2031.
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