It will soon be easier for more than two million people in Illinois to find jobs and places to live, under a measure signed into law on Chicago's South side.
Governor J.B. Pritzker signed the "Clean Slate" bill during a Friday morning ceremony at XS Tennis, 5336 S. State St. It automates the process of permanently sealing records for people with non-violent arrests or convictions.
It was passed with bipartisan support after being introduced by Peoria state House Democrat Jehan Gordon-Booth, who recalled her first experience running for office, when opponents brought up a shoplifting charge filed against her when she was 18 and stole a bracelet on a dare.
"That's what happens when people have convictions," said Rep. Gordon-Booth (D-92nd District). "They're judged by the worst moment in their lives as though that is who they are."
Gov. Pritzker said only 6,000 people in the state who are eligible to seal their records have done so, because of varying and often expensive procedures in each of the state's counties: "That's not fair, or just ... it's also not smart."
Supporters say the law will mean people with past non-violent incidents on their records will be less likely to face stigma when looking for places to live or work.
"This law will unlock $4.7 billion in lost wages," the governor said to applause from the audience.
Marlon Chamberlain, the founder of the Illinois Coalition To End Permanent Punishment and himself a former convict, said the Clean Slate law does not remove accountability: "It just acknowledges that at some point, the punishment has to end."