Stec: Clean Slate Taking Effect Continues Democrats' Failing Pro-Criminal Agenda

Senator Dan Stec (R,C-Queensbury) expressed outrage and concern over the safety of law-abiding residents as New York State prepares for Governor Hochul’s “Clean Slate” law to take effect tomorrow. Under the governor and Democrat leadership’s controversial law, the records of individuals convicted of a host of felonies, including manslaughter, DWI-related vehicular assault and homicide, domestic violence, assault on police officers and making a terrorist threat would eventually have their records sealed. With Clean Slate in effect, potential landlords and employers would be unable to know the full history of a prospective renter or hire.

 

Stec voted against this legislation when it came to the Senate floor during the 2022 and 2023 Legislative Sessions, and has spoken out in opposition to it numerous times. In the aftermath of an election that was a referendum on the failures of the governor and her allies to adequately tackle our public safety crisis, Clean Slate taking effect is particularly galling.

 

“During the 2024 elections, voters in New York made it clear that they’re tired of the criminal-coddling policies pushed forward by Governor Hochul and downstate Democrat leaders,” said Stec. “Instead of acknowledging that reality, the governor is allowing Clean Slate to take effect. She’s willfully choosing to enable and protect repeat offenders at the expense of our families and businesses.

 

“From bail reform to HALT, elder parole and Clean Slate, Democrat leadership has repeatedly put criminals ahead of the safety of law-abiding New Yorkers,” he added. “Under Clean Slate, we no longer have the ability to know if there’s a convicted violent offender in our neighborhoods. I’m outraged by it, and I know my constituents are too.

 

“All these policies emanating from the governor and her allies are widely unpopular and have been proven to increase crime in New York State. Despite the will of voters and overwhelming logic, the governor and Legislature continue to ignore the safety of our law-abiding residents,” Stec concluded.