June 11, 2024 - Harrisburg, PA
Governor Josh Shapiro hosted a ceremonial bill signing with Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis, Majority Appropriations Chairman Jordan Harris, members of the General Assembly, and criminal justice reform advocates to celebrate the Clean Slate legislation that passed with bipartisan support and was signed by the Governor to make our Commonwealth more fair for all Pennsylvanians. Last year, Governor Shapiro signed overdue criminal justice reform legislation into law as Act 36 of 2023. This legislation expands Pennsylvania's landmark Clean Slate initiative and establishes a process for the automatic expungement of criminal records for Pennsylvanians who receive an unconditional pardon. Today, this updated law takes effect, ensuring more people can begin to get the second chances they deserve. "A minor conviction from years ago shouldn't prevent someone from getting a job or renting an apartment - especially if that person has received a pardon. And when someone gets a second chance, that should be a real opportunity to start over and succeed," said Governor Josh Shapiro. "I believe Pennsylvania is a place for second chances - and my Administration has invested in and advanced real criminal justice system reform. This is a cause that resonates beyond party lines, and that's why this Clean Slate legislation was cosponsored by both Democrats and Republicans. This life changing bill includes a commonsense set of steps to remove unnecessary barriers for Pennsylvanians who want to rebuild their lives and meaningfully contribute to our communities - and I'm proud to be here with the lawmakers who worked together in a bipartisan manner to get this to my desk."List of Speakers:Majority Appropriations Chairman Jordan HarrisRepresentative Sheryl DelozierSenator Tony WilliamsSenator Camera BartolottaJenna Butler, President & Executive Director of the Justice Action NetworkLuke Bernstein, President and CEO of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and IndustryLieutenant Governor Austin DavisGovernor Josh Shapiro
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