NEW YORK (PIX11) -- New Yorkers with criminal histories who have stayed out of trouble will have their records sealed beginning this weekend.
It will happen because of a new law known as the Clean Slate Act. Criminal justice reform advocates pushed for the law to help people turning their lives around with employment and housing -- though not everyone agrees this is the best approach.
Brooklyn state Sen. Zellnor Myrie is one of the top lawmakers who pushed this plan, which will allow many of the 2.3 million New Yorkers who have been convicted of crimes to have their records sealed.
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez also supports the new "clean slate" law.
"There's a path to redemption, prosperity and social mobility," Gonzalez said Friday.
Here is how it works: provided someone with a conviction has not committed more crimes and served their time, their record gets sealed automatically three years after a misdemeanor and eight years after a felony.
Exceptions include sex offenders, murders, and those who've committed other serious crimes -- their records are not sealed.
Plus, police and sensitive industries that require fingerprinting, such as day cares, will still get access to the full criminal history.
"So we really tried to strike a balance in a way that public safety would still be protected," Myrie said.
Myrie cheers the passage as opening doors to employment, education and housing for those who have turned their lives around. Many labor and employment groups support the "clean slate."
However, there is concern it will make New York less safe. Certain types of assault and even some hate crimes would be hidden.
"People hiring workers have a right to know who they're hiring and their background," said Assemblyman Mike Tannousis. "People renting apartments have a right to know who they're putting in their house. This law is completely irresponsible."
However, Myrie argues people who have served their time should have a right to move forward. He said if anything, the "clean slate" will help people to stay on the right path.
"You now have an incentive to stay out of trouble so that your conviction can be sealed," he said.
Sealed records will not happen overnight. State administrators will have time to complete the process.
