The Clean Slate Act of 2024 automatically seals certain federal criminal records to give people a fresh start after completing their sentences. The law applies to individuals arrested for federal crimes they were not convicted of, as well as those convicted of simple marijuana possession or other nonviolent federal offenses, provided they are not sex offenders and have no national security-related convictions. Records are sealed automatically within one year after a person completes their full sentence, or immediately if they are acquitted or charges are dropped within 180 days. The bill also allows people convicted of nonviolent federal felonies to petition courts to seal their records one year after finishing their sentences, with courts balancing public safety against the person's rehabilitation and employment prospects. Once sealed, records are hidden from background checks and the general public, though law enforcement and courts can still access them for investigations, national security positions, and firearm-related employment. The Attorney General has two years to implement these provisions for all existing records that qualify for sealing.
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