Effective Nov. 16, 2024, New York’s Clean Slate Act will seal certain categories of records at various intervals, so that it will no longer be possible for employers to learn about certain types of criminal history. The state’s Correction Law precludes employers from rejecting job applicants based on their criminal history unless the prior conviction bears a direct relationship to the specific job, or to the safety or welfare of the individuals with whom they interact. Once in effect, misdemeanor records will be sealed effective three years after the date the individual was released from incarceration or the date of sentencing (if not incarcerated). Felony records would be sealed eight years after, provided no other criminal charges are pending.
