Second Chance Month 2025 (2025)

Advocate for Clean Slate Legislation

Implement Clean Slate Legislation

Redefine the Narrative Around People with Records

learn more

70 - 100 Million

Nearly 70 - 100 million adults in America — or 1 in 3 — has an arrest or conviction record that limits their ability to work, obtain housing, and engage in civic life. Having a record, even an arrest record, is a significant barrier to economic mobility. (SOURCES: SEARCH and Sentencing Project)

$78 - $87 Billion

$78 - $87 billion is the estimated loss in gross domestic product every year resulting from shutting people with records out of the workforce. (SOURCE: Barber & Bucknor)

4 - 7 Years

A person is no more likely to commit an offense after staying crime-free for 4 to 7 years than anyone else. (Source: SEARCH)

22%

Studies show that within one year of having a record sealed, people were 11% more likely to be employed and saw an over 22% increase in income. (SOURCE: Prescott & Starr)

50%

Nearly half of all kids in the U.S. have at least one parent with a record. (SOURCE: Sentencing Project)

50%

Job applicants with a record are 50% less likely to get a callback, keeping millions of people trapped in joblessness or poverty. (SOURCE: Pager, Western, & Sugie)

15 Million

Over 15 million people are eligible for full or partial record sealing in the 12 states that have enacted legislation meeting Clean Slate criteria. (SOURCE:CSI)

8 Million

8 million Black people with records would be eligible for full or partial record sealing if all 50 states passed laws meeting CSI's policy minimums. (SOURCE: CSI)

18 Million

Over 18 million women have a record in the U.S. and half of them would be eligible to receive full record clearance if Clean Slate legislation passes in all 50 states. (SOURCE: CSI)

Bipartisan Impact

Data from a survey of people with records in MI, PA, and UT, shows nearly 70% of Republicans and 72% of Democrats strongly or somewhat agree that “by clearing your criminal record, people like me have a good chance of improving our standard of living.” (SOURCE: CSI)

1 in 3 People

Data from a survey of people with records in MI, PA, and UT, shows that nearly 1 in 3 people with arrest or conviction records report difficulty getting a job, maintaining employment, making a living, or paying rent or bills. (SOURCE: CSI)

42%

Data from a survey of people with records in MI, PA, and UT, shows that 42% of respondents reported improvements in work, employment, finances or public assistance, while 35% reported improvement in personal or family relations. (SOURCE: CSI)

April is #SecondChanceMonth! 1 in 3 people in America live with a record, facing daily barriers that limit opportunities. This month, we recognize those challenges while also celebrating the power of #secondchances through #CleanSlate legislation. Together, we can seal the past and open doors to new opportunities.

#SecondChanceMonth is about breaking barriers and building futures! Everyone deserves the opportunity to move forward after making a mistake. Sealing past records after meeting the necessary requirements - opens doors to meaningful jobs, safe housing, and a #SecondChance to reach full potential.

70-100 million people in America are impacted by the criminal legal system – leaving missions to face barriers to jobs, housing, and opportunities. Clean Slate legislation automates record sealing after individuals meet the necessary requirements, ensuring fair access to a #SecondChance. Because everyone deserves the opportunity to move forward after making a mistake – and that’s what #SecondChanceMonth is all about.

Living with a record in America can mean being locked out of meaningful job opportunities, safe and stable housing, and new opportunities - even after taking responsibility and meeting the requirements to start fresh. That’s why we’re working to advance #CleanSlate automated record sealing policies so that everyone can have fair access to a #SecondChance after making a mistake.

There are millions of people in America that have taken responsibility for their past and remained crime-free for years - even decades. Yet, old records still cause barriers to the very things that create stability such as meaningful jobs, safe housing, and quality education. This #SecondChanceMonth, let’s recognize the transformational impact of #CleanSlate policies – sealing the past and unlocking brighter futures.

#SecondChanceMonth is a time to celebrate the growing momentum of #CleanSlate laws! With 12 states already on board and bipartisan support growing in Congress, the impact is clear: Clean Slate policies strengthen families, boost the economy, and create safer, healthier communities. Let’s keep the momentum going!

This #SecondChanceMonth, we celebrate the transformational impact that #CleanSlate policies can have on families across the nation. With nearly half of all kids in the United States having at least one parent with a record, the impact of a record can extend for generations. #CleanSlate policies open the door for parents to provide for themselves and their families.

#SecondChanceMonth is a time to recognize that #CleanSlate automated record sealing policies are a win for communities. Studies show that within one year of having a record sealed, people were 11% more likely to be employed and saw an over 22% increase in income. When people with records get jobs, secure housing, and build stable lives, communities are safer and stronger.

The numbers don’t lie! Clean Slate policies are working and have bipartisan support. Data from a survey of people with records in MI, PA, and UT, shows nearly 70% of Republicans and 72% of Democrats strongly or somewhat agree that “by clearing your criminal record, people like me have a good chance of improving our standard of living.” This #SecondChanceMonth, we continue to celebrate the momentum of #CleanSlate and #SecondChances!

readOURSTATEMENT

CSMA Student Lobby Day

Join students from across Massachusetts for a lobby day in support of the state's Clean Slate legislation!

Second Chances Under the Second Trump Administration

In-person attendance only. Space is limited.

Barriers to Bridges: Clean Slate Laws & Public Health

Join the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts for a 60-minute webinar to learn more about the intersection of Clean Slate and public health.

The Case for Conservative Criminal Justice Solutions: Capitol Hill Briefing

Join Right On Crime for an exclusive Capitol Hill staffer briefing on the case for conservative criminal justice solutions.

Clean Slate Champions: A Community Call for Second Chances

Join us for a special community call where we’ll bring together the Clean Slate network to share powerful insights on the impact of Clean Slate policies at both the state and federal levels. This is your chance to connect, learn, and help build momentum so we can all play a role in advancing second chances for everyone.

Second Chance Stories

CSI’s storyteller series showcases real-life people across the country who have, or had, an arrest or conviction record. Hearing first-hand experiences is one of the most impactful ways we can understand and build support for Clean Slate.

see resources

View All

For the states that have begun implementing, one big question comes up often: “Do people know about Clean Slate?” Our latest research brief focuses on answering this question in three Clean Slate states: Pennsylvania, Utah, and Michigan. Learn more about our latest research brief in this update from Dr. Laura Chavez, Director of Research & Data.

CPAC is an annual conservative gathering, and this year, record sealing emerged as a powerful bipartisan solution at the intersection of justice reform and economic growth. Learn more in this update from Aditi Sherikar, Public Policy Director.

The Clean Slate Initiative works to pass Clean Slate laws around the country.But we know that passing these laws is just the beginning. Effective implementation is crucial for real change. Learn more in this update from Katie Svoboda-Kindle, Implementation Director.