ALBANY, N.Y. (WHCU) — Governor Kathy Hochul has signed into law the Clean Slate Act. 

Beginning a year from now, criminal records will be sealed after three to eight years, depending on the crime. State officials will have three years starting November 16, 2024 to process the change.

New York Attorney General Letitia James says millions of ex-inmates statewide who have rebuilt their lives deserve a second chance. State Senator Tom O’Mara is critical of the bill, calling it “another pro-criminal policy.”