Clean Slate Act of 2025

Summary

Creates an automatic federal record-sealing system for certain arrests and low-level marijuana offenses. Eligible people—including those arrested but not convicted and those convicted of simple marijuana possession or certain nonviolent federal marijuana offenses who have completed their sentence—would have specified federal records sealed automatically, while serious, violent, sex, treason, terrorism, and other listed offenses are excluded.

• Creates an automatic federal sealing process for certain arrests and nonviolent federal marijuana convictions.
• Covered individuals include people arrested but not convicted and those convicted of simple possession or certain nonviolent marijuana offenses who completed their sentences.
• Sex offenders and persons convicted of treason, terrorism, national-security offenses, and several other serious offenses are explicitly excluded.
• Definitions and coverage are tied to existing federal drug statutes and sentencing guideline provisions, with several enumerated statutory exclusions.
• Applies only to federal records; it does not change state record-sealing laws.
• Sealing is automatic under the new procedure rather than requiring a petition in many cases, creating new administrative duties for federal courts and record custodians.
• Sealed records may still be accessible in limited circumstances identified by the statute (e.g., certain law enforcement uses or excluded offenses).
• Intended to reduce collateral consequences (like employment and housing barriers) for people with eligible federal records.
• Implementation will require federal agencies to identify eligible records and update record systems and procedures.