NORWICH – Recently the Clean Slate Act was signed into law by New York Governor Kathy Hochul, which automatically seals some criminal records from public view.

Critics say crimes committed by perpetrators may go undetected, possibly putting New Yorkers at risk.

Assemblyman Joseph Angelino (R,C-Norwich) reacted to Gov. Hochul signing the Clean Slate Act (A.1029-C) and said this dangerous bill will seal the criminal records of felons eight years after they complete their sentences and after three years for those convicted of misdemeanors. Angelino argues the bill coddles criminals and makes New York less safe.

“This bill is bad for law-abiding New Yorkers, plain and simple, and I am proud to condemn it,” Angelino said. “I will always look out for victims of crimes rather than the perpetrators. With the Clean Slate Act now law, businesses will no longer be able to fully vet potential employees to see if they have committed violent crimes.”

According to the nysenate.gov website, this law provides for automatic sealing of certain convictions after a certain passage of time from either imposition of sentence, release from parole or probation, and if the defendant does not have a current charge pending; excludes certain offenses, and permits access by certain persons.