HB 21-1214, with strong bipartisan support, was signed into law on July 6 by Colorado Governor Jared Polis, throwing open the doors of opportunity for thousands of Coloradans.
Clean Slate Colorado, an effort led by criminal justice reform advocates, directly-impacted people, grassroots organizations, faith leaders and legal experts, celebrates the passage of HB 21 – 1214, championed by Representatives Weissman and Bacon and Senators Lee and Coleman.
This law represents an important step in the statewide effort to advance real second chances for millions of Coloradans and helps pave the way for comprehensive Clean Slate reform. By reducing barriers to employment, housing, and economic security, this bill will improve community safety and give people and their families a chance to move on with their lives and more fully participate in society.
Melanie Kesner, Public Policy Director of the Interfaith Alliance of Colorado says “This is a significant victory and helps pave the way to full clean slate reform. Everyone deserves a second chance and the ability to provide for their families.”
HB 21 – 1214 increases eligibility requirements and removes barriers to record sealing including:
- Allows for the sealing of multiple eligible records for some eligible crimes
- Creates an automatic process for the sealing of most arrest records where no charges are filed and for some drug conviction records;
- Creates a website so that people can confidentially determine if their conviction has been sealed;
- Allows the state public defender and the office of alternate defense counsel to seek and accept funding for the purposes of representing defendants in record sealing proceedings.
HB 21 – 1214 represents an important step in the statewide effort to advance real second chances for millions of Coloradans and helps pave the way for comprehensive Clean Slate reform. By reducing barriers to employment, housing, and economic security, this bill will improve community safety and give people and their families a chance to move on with their lives and more fully participate in society.
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