Rep. Goupil Speaks On SB1019, The Clean Slate Bill

Press release from State Representative Christine Goupil:

June 5, 2021

I would like to provide clarity to some misconceptions regarding SB1019, or the Clean Slate Bill. As written, the Clean Slate Bill stands to help thousands of formerly incarcerated Connecticut Citizens convicted of misdemeanors and low-level Class D and E felonies by expunging their records and allowing them the opportunity to re-enter society.

First, let's get a better understanding of the bill which passed in the House of Representatives by a vote of 91-56 last week.

SB1019 states that if a person has served their sentence and hasn't committed another offense after a period of time – seven to 10 years – for certain crimes then their record will be considered erased, allowing for a full re-entry into society. This will allow them access to opportunities that without this legislation are often denied, including good paying jobs, education and quality housing.

Research from the University of Michigan has found that people are more likely to be employed and earn higher wages one year after a record has been cleared. Based on a 2016 economic impact study, it can be estimated that CT loses over a billion dollars per year by the "shackles" of post-incarceration underemployment.

It seems fair to me that a person should not continuously be penalized after paying their debt to society. In denying formerly incarcerated individuals the right to housing, employment and education, we increase the likelihood they will offend again. This bill protects our society at large by offering compassion to those who have already served their sentence, ultimately reducing recidivism rates and providing a boost to our economy.

I've seen critical social media posts and opinion pieces that claim this bill allows for "…automatic erasure of hate crimes, automatic erasure of assault, stalking, robbery…" These claims are false and unproductive fearmongering.

For the record, SB1019 does not include Class A, B, and C felonies. These felonies are not eligible for erasure, nor are family violence or sexual assault crimes. I vigorously supported an amendment to the bill that included sexual assault in the ineligible offenses. You can get the facts concerning SB1019 right here.

One of the primary reasons I am a proponent of SB1019 is because those with erased records will be protected from discrimination which until now has been legal. They will be able to proceed with a clean slate, free to provide for their families and participate in society without having to overcome harsh restrictions.

Again, I don't believe people should have to continue to serve a sentence for a low-level crime for a lifetime after they've already been incarcerated. This bill also unbinds them from the challenging process of applying to the Board of Pardons and Parole to have criminal records expunged.

The Chair of the Judiciary Committee, Steve Stafstrom, stated that "Clean Slate would affect 300,000 Connecticut residents who have served their time," and could be eligible to have their records cleared through the pardon process. Unfortunately, most don’t ever get relief because they can’t afford a lawyer, pay the fees, or figure out how to navigate the complex petition process. Many of them are not even aware it’s an option, and as a result, only three percent of people eligible for a pardon even apply and many are still denied for technical reasons.

SB1019, if signed by the Governor, would go into effect 2023. It is a bill that represents a second chance for those who deserve one – not for those who don't.

Christine Goupil is the State Representative for Connecticut's 35th District which includes Clinton, Killingworth and Westbrook.

This press release was produced by Sate Representative Christine Goupil. The views expressed here are the author’s own.