This Former NY Governor BLASTS Hochul's "Clean Slate" Bill

The bill, which aims to seal old criminal records after a certain number of years, was recently passed by lawmakers in the state Assembly and Senate and awaits the approval of Governor Kathy Hochul.

During an appearance on the "Cats Roundtable" WABC 770 AM radio show, Paterson, who had previously supported justice reform initiatives as governor, expressed concerns about the proposed legislation. While acknowledging the positive intentions behind the bill, he argued that it may be misguided given the current situation in the state.

Paterson highlighted the issue of individuals being arrested multiple times, stating, "You have people getting arrested 40, 50, 60 times. When that kind of thing happens, there can never be a clean slate because they were never more than six months away from their previous conviction." He raised doubts about the effectiveness of the Clean Slate Act in such cases.

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Under the Clean Slate legislation, the most recent convictions would be automatically sealed after three years for misdemeanors and eight years for felonies, provided the individuals have stayed out of trouble. However, sealing records would not apply to sex crimes and certain Class A felonies, including murder.

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While acknowledging the positive intent of the legislature, Paterson expressed concerns about the bill's potential consequences. He suggested that it could inadvertently lead to an increase in the number of individuals released from prison without sufficient time to determine if they have truly reformed.

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The Republican opposition to the bill has been strong, with Assemblyman Anthony Palumbo emphasizing the importance of accountability for individuals who have committed crimes. He stated, "I'm sorry, you committed it, you're convicted of it... and some aspects of those will be with you forever, just like you did to your victim."

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On the other hand, supporters of the Clean Slate Act, including some Democratic lawmakers and unions, argue that it would allow New Yorkers to move forward without the burden of past mistakes. They contend that a criminal record often hinders individuals from securing employment and housing, and sealing convictions would offer them a fresh start.

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The endorsement of the legislation by major business groups, including companies like JPMorgan Chase and Verizon, adds weight to the argument in favor of the bill. These groups believe that expanding the labor pool by enabling more individuals with criminal records to find work would boost the state's economy and enhance its competitiveness.

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While expressing her commitment to giving those with criminal records a second chance, Governor Kathy Hochul also emphasized the need to carefully evaluate the bill to ensure it does not have any unintended negative consequences. She acknowledged the complexity of the issue and her goal of implementing progressive policies that are effective and forward-thinking.

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The proposed Clean Slate Act has generated a contentious debate among lawmakers, law enforcement officials, and advocates for criminal justice reform. While proponents argue that it offers an opportunity for individuals to rebuild their lives, skeptics like Paterson and Republican Assemblyman Palumbo raise concerns about the potential lack of accountability and the consequences of releasing individuals who may not have genuinely reformed.