ALBANY, NY – New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on Nov. 15 signed the Clean Slate Act, which seals certain criminal records so that those convicted may more successfully seek employment, housing, and educational opportunities.

Records of eligible misdemeanor convictions will be sealed after three years and certain felony convictions after eight years following their release from incarceration. The law will become effective in one year of its signing, and provides the state up to three years to seal all eligible records.

“The millions of New Yorkers who have paid their dues and are ready to rebuild their lives deserve a second chance,” said New York Attorney General Letitia James.

New York Assemblyman Karl Brabenec (R,C-Deerpark) condemned the bill, calling it just another loophole to allow criminals to run free of punishment or justice.