Excerpt:
The long-debated controversial Clean Slate Act — which will automatically seal most criminal records — has passed both houses of the state Legislature.
During a marathon session late Friday night, lawmakers voted to adopt the bill as they push through the weekend to wrap up their business for the year.
The legislation, which still must be signed into law by Gov. Kathy Hochul, wipes a New Yorker’s conviction record clean three years after sentencing for misdemeanors, and eight years for felonies.
There are exceptions as most “Class A” felonies – including murder, terrorism, kidnapping and many sex crimes – won’t be sealed.
Drug-related felonies will be wiped clean.
Proponents of the bill say it’s needed to help ex-cons rejoin society after serving their sentences.