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Pa. bill to seal some criminal records likely to pass

A bipartisan measure that provides for automatic sealing of criminal records for minor offenses will likely be voted on and passed by the Senate on Wednesday.

Gov. Wolf has said he would sign “Clean Slate” legislation.
Gov. Wolf has said he would sign “Clean Slate” legislation.Read moreAP

A bipartisan measure that provides for automatic sealing of criminal records for minor offenses will likely be voted on and passed by the Senate on Wednesday. The "Clean Slate" legislation — Senate Bill 529, along with its companion, House Bill 1419 — has the potential to be the first of its kind in the nation.

Its sponsors, and advocates, say that by automatically sealing criminal records for certain offenses, people with criminal pasts will have a better chance of finding work. The records would still be available to law enforcement.

Sen. Scott Wagner (R., York), a potential gubernatorial candidate, is a sponsor and Gov. Wolf has said that he would sign the bill.