Thanks to a new bill passed by lawmakers, New Yorkers could have their criminal records sealed, allowing them to start fresh.
Criminal Records Sealed?
New Yorkers who had criminal charges could have their records sealed automatically if they would avoid committing another crime within a number of years after serving their sentences. All thanks to a new bill passed last Friday by New York lawmakers. The bill would seal the latest criminal records three years after serving the given sentence. This includes parole and felony records that lasted eight years. Crimes such as murder, rape, and all almost all other Class A felonies will not be included under the bill
The bill’s deliberation lasted five hours before it was finally passed on a party-line vote, which received cheers and applause from the people. Some New York lawmakers believe that the bill would allow former New York criminals another shot at life, leaving their past mistakes behind. A criminal record would often stain their chance of obtaining housing and applying for a job.
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A Second Chance For New Yorkers
In accordance with New York’s state law, conviction records of job applicants can be asked by employers during the hiring process. Employers should first consider the nature of the work and the person’s ability to execute the job before looking at that person’s past convictions. Those in support of the bill say that criminal records are often a huge hindrance for people who are looking for a stable job.
Kathy Hochul, New York Governor, hopes that negative consequences would not arise after approving the bill since they are giving former criminals a second chance. The bill, after being signed, is expected to be in effect the following year.
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