Representatives Laurel Lee and Sydney Kamlager-Dove have introduced the Fresh Start Act, a bipartisan effort aimed at simplifying the process for rehabilitated individuals to gain employment, housing, and educational opportunities. The bill intends to support states with federal infrastructure grants if they have laws allowing automated record-sealing or expungement.
According to Congresswoman Laurel Lee, “People who have worked to turn their lives around after a criminal conviction deserve the opportunity to move forward, not be held back by administrative barriers.” She noted that nearly one-third of Americans possess a criminal record, which can hinder access to jobs, housing, and education, despite eligibility for record-sealing or expungement. The Act of 2025 seeks to modernize these processes, aiding qualified individuals in accessing opportunities.
The proposed Fresh Start Act continues the progress of the Clean Slate policies initiated in 2018 by 12 states, including California, which aim to improve opportunities by offering federal support.
Rep. Kamlager-Dove stated, “No one should be denied a job, housing, or education because of bureaucratic red tape.” The legislation aims to remove the barriers posed by cumbersome processes, aiding those eligible for record-sealing or expungement in contributing to their communities.
The Clean Slate Initiative CEO Sheena Meade emphasized that the legislation ensures practical solutions for safety and community benefit. Similarly, Jason Pye of the Due Process Institute described the Act as “a commonsense policy solution” that improves record-sealing laws and economic outcomes while enhancing community safety.
Akua Amaning from the Center for American Progress highlighted the bill’s potential to better individuals’ lives and public safety. Patrick Plein from CPAC’s Nolan Center for Justice recognized the Act’s role in fostering safer communities by facilitating societal reintegration.
Nan Gibson, on behalf of the JPMorganChase Policy Center, called the Act a “common sense measure” that aligns with fair hiring practices, enhancing workforce strength by providing career pathways for individuals with a history in the justice system.
The Fresh Start Act amends the National Criminal History Improvement Program (34 U.S.C. §40302) to include funding for automatic expungement laws. States receiving grants must report various statistics concerning individuals eligible for expungement or sealing, detailed by demographics. If data are lacking, states are required to develop plans to address these gaps.
