ALBANY, NY (Erie News Now)-- Thursday, Gov. Kathy Hochul signs the Clean Slate Act into law allowing for the AUTOMATIC SEALING OF CERTAIN CONVICTION RECORDS.  

THE GOVERNOR SAid THIS NEW law WILL GIVE A SECOND CHANCE TO NEW YORKERS WHO HAVE PAID THEIR DEBT TO SOCIETY.  

“They did their time. They're done. But when they re-enter society, there are still barriers to housing and jobs. I say no more. Today, we're here today to correct that injustice,” said Hochul. 

SOME REPUBLICAN LAWMAKERS' EXPRESSed CONCERNS ABOUT SAFETY AND CRIME IN COMMUNITIES.

“Another day in New York, another pro-criminal policy pushed by one-party rule. This state is facing a crisis of rising crime and lawlessness, and yet this new law continues to make our communities, neighborhoods, and streets even less safe," said Sen. Tom O'Mara (R-Big Flats). 

THE GOVERNOR SAID A STEADY JOB IS THE BEST AN ANTI-CRIME TOOL. 

FOR OTHER LAWMAKERS, THE SIGNING OF CLEAN SLATE MOVED THEM TO TEARS--SAYING THIS NEW LAW WILL HELP MORE THAN TWO MILLION PEOPLE AND FAMILIES ACROSS THE STATE.  

“We’re going to start breaking that cycle of poverty and injustice that’s been perpetuated by a criminal justice system that was designed to do exactly what it's doing right now—to keep people eternally under its thumb,” said Assembly Member Catalina Cruz (D-Assembly District 39).

Ismael Diaz Jr., who struggled to find a job after serving his time, said this new law gives him hope. 

 

“It relieves a lot of pressure as far as being able to go get a job, like applying for a job not knowing they’re going to fire me for having a background check,” said Diaz. 

The Clean Slate Act will take effect one year after becoming law.