Advocates for new criminal justice reforms held rallies across the state this week as part of a new effort to get the governor and Legislature to agree to more changes that would benefit people convicted of crimes.
The Clean Slate Act would seal old conviction records for certain crimes. Advocates say New Yorkers with criminal convictions who have served their time could more easily obtain jobs, housing and educational opportunities to help remake their lives.
Under the bill, the records would be automatically sealed after three years for misdemeanor convictions and seven years for felonies as long as the person has completed their sentence and is not on parole or been charged with or convicted of any new crimes.
Some businesses are also backing the measure, including Verizon, Microsoft and JPMorgan Chase.
Paul Zuber with the Business Council of New York State spoke at a rally and said it gives people with criminal records a needed chance.
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