Clean Slate Maine is a bi-partisan organization working in Maine to pass and implement Clean Slate laws and expand who is eligible for record sealing.
Clean Slate Maine is a bi-partisan organization working in Maine to pass and implement Clean Slate laws and expand who is eligible for record sealing.
It’s a policy supported by both sides of the political aisle. Clean Slate laws have passed in both red and blue states, including Pennsylvania (the first, in 2018), Virginia, Utah, Oklahoma, New York, New Jersey, Michigan, Minnesota, Washington, D.C., Delaware, Connecticut, Colorado, California, and Illinois (October 2025). These laws reflect shared values of accountability, fairness, and public safety, all of which both Democrats and Republicans can agree on.
At some point in our lives, we have all been given a second chance - whether from our parents, friends, or our congregations.
Research shows that people with sealed records are no more likely to reoffend than those without records. Sealed records allow folks greater access to stable employment and housing, which reduces the chances for reoffending.
Everyone wants to live in a safe community and know that their family is protected. Only people who remain conviction-free for 5-10 years after completing their sentence are eligible for record sealing. Serious and recent crimes are excluded, maintaining a balance between public safety and opportunity for redemption.
People who have served their time and demonstrated change have earned a second chance to rebuild their lives. Many Mainers are already eligible for record relief, but the current petition-based process is complex and underused. Clean Slate automates record sealing so everyone who qualifies can benefit, not just those with time, money, or legal help.
