Local lawmakers express support for Clean Slate Bill
By ERIC SEIVERLING
eseiverling@yourmvi.com
Elected officials from the Mon Valley are showing their support for the Clean Slate Bill, which was approved Wednesday by the state Senate and is now headed for the House.
It would allow more Pennsylvanians to have criminal records expunged if certain conditions are met, according to Sen. Camera Bartolotta, R-Carroll Township, who supported the bill.
The bill would remove barriers to employment, housing, education and other services for people who are otherwise unable to complete the process of criminal record expungement due to the cost.
The legislation builds on the success of the state’s Clean Slate Law, which has already led to the automatic sealing of more than 35 million minor criminal records.
“We see many Pennsylvanians struggling to find a job even if their criminal record is clean,” Bartolotta said. “Those who have old, unsealed criminal records after a pardon or non-conviction face an even more desperate situation. Helping more Pennsylvanians benefit from the Clean Slate Law will streamline re-entry to the workforce and level the playing field without any harm to public safety.”
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