Assemblyman Angelino condemns NY Clean Slate Act that limits public awareness about crimes

NORWICH – Recently the Clean Slate Act was signed into law by New York Governor Kathy Hochul, which automatically seals some criminal records from public view.

Critics say crimes committed by perpetrators may go undetected, possibly putting New Yorkers at risk.

Assemblyman Joseph Angelino (R,C-Norwich) reacted to Gov. Hochul signing the Clean Slate Act (A.1029-C) and said this dangerous bill will seal the criminal records of felons eight years after they complete their sentences and after three years for those convicted of misdemeanors. Angelino argues the bill coddles criminals and makes New York less safe.

“This bill is bad for law-abiding New Yorkers, plain and simple, and I am proud to condemn it,” Angelino said. “I will always look out for victims of crimes rather than the perpetrators. With the Clean Slate Act now law, businesses will no longer be able to fully vet potential employees to see if they have committed violent crimes.”

According to the nysenate.gov website, this law provides for automatic sealing of certain convictions after a certain passage of time from either imposition of sentence, release from parole or probation, and if the defendant does not have a current charge pending; excludes certain offenses, and permits access by certain persons.

Class A felonies, such as murder, predatory sexual assault, terrorism, kidnapping, and arson will not be eligible for automatic sealing. Law enforcement, prosecutors, the New York State education department, courts, and child care providers will continue to have access to all criminal records under this law.

“Unfortunately, radical progressives who control Albany don’t think you should have that right. Well guess what, I do, and I am disgusted the governor decided to side with the radical left and criminals over hardworking New Yorkers,” Angelino said.

Angelino also made it clear he is not against second chances but stressed people need to take personal responsibility for their actions and for victims, the slate is never clean.

“Let me be very blunt, if you committed a non-violent crime or made a bad choice, I am not against you getting a second chance in life. The problem is this bill is not about second chances, it is about safety,” he said.

“There is already a process by which those who are genuinely remorseful for their actions and have taken concrete steps to better their lives can have their records sealed. The Clean Slate Act, however, seals all records, regardless of whether the person is trying to turn their life around,” concluded Angelino.

New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Acting Commissioner Daniel F. Martuscello III stated on the departments Facebook page he believes The Clean Slate Act will remove barriers to reentry and provides justice to individuals for a second chance. He said it will bring hope to hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers, providing greater access to employment and housing.

Supporters at www.nysenate.gov stated the legislation will also “boost New York's economy and workforce as more New Yorkers with past convictions will be able to enter the labor market and increase their earnings.”

“The Clean Slate Act also makes conviction records accessible to law enforcement in certain circumstances. New York will become the 11th state to automatically seal criminal convictions upon adoption of the legislation.”

Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins said, “Clean Slate offers a genuine second chance to individuals who have fully paid their debt to society, enabling them to restart their lives and become positive contributors to their communities. By passing Clean Slate, we affirm our belief in redemption and improve our society by providing formerly incarcerated individuals a better opportunity to enter the workforce and establish stable lives.”

Senate bill sponsor Senator Zellnor Myrie said, “I'm deeply proud to serve in a legislative body that recognizes the economic, moral and public safety imperatives for passing Clean Slate. This legislation makes it clear that New Yorkers who have served their sentences and returned to the community owe no other debts before they can rebuild their lives, obtain housing and education, and secure gainful employment. Clean Slate means stronger, safer, and more stable communities. I'm grateful to my colleagues and to the broad coalition of New Yorkers who have spoken up for this bill, and I look forward to getting it over the finish line.”

For a full review of the Act, go to (nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2023/S7551).

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