Dauphin News

Rep. Sheryl M. Delozier, a Republican from Cumberland, introduced the bipartisan Clean Slate expansion legislation, House Bill 689, at a press conference in Harrisburg. She was joined by Rep. Jordan Harris, a Democrat from Philadelphia and co-prime sponsor of the bill.

The proposed legislation aims to build on the original Clean Slate bill by allowing certain low-level, nonviolent felony drug crimes to be sealed after 10 years without reconviction.

"Clean Slate expansion provides more second chances to Pennsylvanians who have earned them by building upon existing law to help give residents with certain low-level, nonviolent felonies access to employment and housing opportunities they may otherwise be barred from," said Delozier. "Clean Slate 3.0 is a measure that will positively impact the Commonwealth on both a human and economic level for generations to come."

Delozier emphasized that this initiative transcends political affiliations: “I’ve stressed before this is not a Republican or Democrat issue, but a people issue and a fairness issue, and I am proud to continue working with my colleagues across the aisle to affect this important change for Pennsylvania. I am glad this bill has received broad, bipartisan and bicameral support.”

Since its passage in 2018, Pennsylvania's original Clean Slate bill has inspired similar legislation in nine other states. Over 1.2 million Pennsylvanians have benefitted from the law with over 43 million cases sealed.

House Bill 689 garners support not only within the General Assembly but also from various organizations including U.S. Justice Action Network, Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, Community Legal Services, Americans for Prosperity and the District Attorney’s Association.

For inquiries about Clean Slate expansion or other state-related issues, constituents can contact Delozier’s district office at 717-761-4665.