Update on Second Chance/Clean Slate Bill

June 14, 2023

On June 14 scores of advocates joined with state senators and representatives on Beacon Hill to highlight the pressing need to modernize Massachusetts’ outdated system for managing criminal offense record information (CORI). The Legislature’s Criminal Justice Reform Caucus hosted this legislative briefing to champion two “clean slate/second chance bills” that would reduce CORI barriers for returning residents to access housing and jobs. People who were formerly incarcerated spoke about the challenges they face when their CORIs are not sealed when they should be. We also heard from the Litigation Director for Community Legal Services of Pennsylvania, a national expert on clean slate laws. 


One bill (H.1598/S.979), introduced by Rep. Keefe and Sen. Friedman, would automatically seal criminal and juvenile records after the applicable waiting periods, without having to file a petition. To date, the Western MA co-sponsors of this bill are Reps. Duffy, Farley-Bouvier, Pease, Sabadosa, Williams, and Sens. Comerford, Gomez, and Oliveira. The other bill (H.1493/S.998), introduced by Rep. Fluker-Oakley and Sen. Gomez, would require that a CORI be immediately sealed if a charge does not end in a conviction. To date, the Western MA co-sponsors of this bill are Reps. Sabadosa, Williams, and Sen. Gomez. 


Several states already have such systems in place, and Massachusetts needs to implement them too. Both bills are PHIWM legislative priorities, and we are an active member with the Clean Slate/Second Chance Coalition, in partnership with Greater Boston Legal Services, Justice 4 Housing, Union of Minority Neighborhoods, Community Work Services, and many other organizations committed to a more equitable CORI system. If you would like to help advocate for these bills or are looking for more information, contact Andrea Freeman 


On June 14 scores of advocates joined with state senators and representatives on Beacon Hill to highlight the pressing need to modernize Massachusetts’ outdated system for managing criminal offense record information (CORI).

Pictured: Some of the more than 50 people who gathered at the State House to advocate for CORI reform, because a criminal record should not mean poverty and no real chance for success.

Pictured from left: Leslie Credle, Executive Director of Justice 4 Housing, and PHIWM's Policy Director Andrea Freeman at the State House advocating for CORI reform

share this

Related Articles

We are all on the same journey

April 16, 2025
Wanda Givens is a member of the leadership team for the Women of Color Health Equity Collective (WOCHEC). WOCHEC offers training and consulting services to address issues of white supremacy, health inequity, and more. As part of her work at WOCHEC, Wanda facilitates a training about cultural humility. "What I love most about facilitating Cultural Humility is not what people learn about each other, but what they learn about themselves. The more we know about how we get to be who we are, the more we can understand and relate to someone else’s journey. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing someone come to the realization that they are more like others in the room than they are different. Our paths may take different roads, but essentially, we are all on the same journey." Did you know the Race and Health Equity Resource Guide includes a listing of organizations like WOCHEC who can help guide your organization on its anti-racism journey and more!
Webinar. Know Your Air: Updates From Healthy Air Network. April 30, 2025.

Free webinar 4/30/25, Know Your Air: Updates from the Healthy Air Network

April 15, 2025
Join us for an engaging webinar hosted by the Healthy Air Network—a coalition working to improve air quality, boost climate resilience, and promote environmental justice across Massachusetts. Learn about their: Newly redesigned website Expansion efforts into Franklin County, North Quabbin, and eastern Mass Transportation work 

Free Webinar 4/25, Tips for Effectively Using 413Cares

April 14, 2025
Have you used 413Cares to search for services? Do you want to learn the best tips and practices for navigating the platform efficiently? Join us for an informative session designed to help organizations and professionals maximize their use of 413Cares. This webinar is ideal for professionals who are newer to 413Cares, as well as those who have been using the platform and want to refine their search strategies and gain deeper insights. What You’ll Learn: Guidance for using 413Cares effectively Best practices for finding and accessing services Answers to common questions and tips