The Clean Slate Initiative

📊 Automated record sealing is helping remove barriers, and new research shows why strong implementation matters.

A new study, “Clean Slate, Dirty Data: An Audit of Algorithmic Automated Criminal Expungement Laws,” funded by The Clean Slate Initiative and published in the North Carolina Law Review, found that automated systems are dramatically improving access to record sealing for eligible non-conviction records while identifying opportunities to strengthen implementation through better data, transparency, audits, and accountability.

These findings reinforce an important lesson: passing a law is only the first step. Building strong implementation systems helps ensure automated record sealing reaches everyone it is intended to serve.

Learn more about the research findings and recommendations for strengthening automated record sealing at: https://www.cleanslateinitiative.org/research-data-publications/how-automated-sealing-laws-are-living-up-to-their-promise

⚙️ Virginia's Clean Slate Act has entered its implementation phase.

Starting last week, eligible Virginians gained access to new pathways to record sealing for the first time in the Commonwealth's history.

Implementation is rolling out in three phases: petition-based record sealing began in July, automated record sealing will expand in October, and additional updates to Virginia's expungement process will take effect in December.

An estimated 415,000 Virginians stand to benefit from full or partial record sealing under the Commonwealth's Clean Slate law.

Implementation is where policy becomes reality. As Virginia continues rolling out Clean Slate throughout 2026, ensuring people understand their eligibility and know the status of their records will be essential to delivering on the law's promise.

Swipe through to learn what changed, what's coming next, and why implementation matters.

📖 Read the full update here: https://www.cleanslateinitiative.org/updates/va-implementation