For too many Pennsylvanians, a single mistake continues to define their future. A criminal record—even for a low-level offense—can block opportunities in employment, housing, education, and even family matters. Recognizing this, Pennsylvania became the first state in the nation to adopt a Clean Slate law in 2018, automatically sealing certain minor records. In 2025, that effort has expanded even further, opening the door to a true second chance for more people.
What Changed in 2025?
In late 2024, the General Assembly passed Act 36 of 2023, often referred to as Clean Slate 3.0. Its provisions went into effect in early 2025. This new phase builds on earlier reforms and makes several important changes:
Expanded eligibility: In addition to non-violent misdemeanors, certain low-level felony drug offenses may now be sealed after a clean period.
Shorter waiting times: Many offenses that once required ten years to seal may now be sealed after seven.
Court costs no longer a barrier: While restitution to victims must still be paid, outstanding court fines and costs no longer prevent sealing.
Petition rights remain: Individuals can still file petitions for expungement of charges that were dismissed, withdrawn, or resulted in a not guilty verdict.
Why These Changes Matter
This expansion is designed to make Clean Slate accessible to tens of thousands of additional Pennsylvanians. For those who qualify, the impact can be life-changing:
Job opportunities: Sealed records are hidden from most employer background checks.
Housing access: Landlords generally cannot see sealed cases.
Education and licensing: Schools and licensing boards may no longer view old, irrelevant mistakes.
Peace of mind: People can move forward without the constant fear that an old record will resurface.
Important Limits
Not every offense qualifies. The following remain excluded:
Violent felonies and crimes of a sexual nature.
Offenses involving firearms.
Crimes against children, such as endangering the welfare of a child.
It is also important to note that sealing is not the same as erasure. Law enforcement and the courts may still access sealed records when necessary.
Automatic vs. Petition-Based Relief
Automatic sealing: For many eligible convictions, the courts seal records without any action by the individual. However, errors happen, and some records are overlooked.
Petition-based expungement: Full expungement still requires a petition in most cases. This process involves drafting legal documents, paying filing fees, and often attending a court hearing.
Having an attorney ensures every eligible record is properly addressed and mistakes in the system are corrected.
Moro & Moro: Helping You Move Forward
At Moro & Moro, we believe your past should not define your future. Our attorneys help clients determine eligibility under the new Clean Slate provisions, prepare petitions for expungement, and ensure errors in criminal record databases are corrected.
If you—or someone you care about—are wondering whether these new reforms apply to your situation, reach out today. The law has changed. You may finally have a second chance.
References
18 Pa.C.S. § 9122 (Expungement of criminal records).
18 Pa.C.S. § 9122.1 (Petition for limited access).
Clean Slate Act of 2018, Act 56.
Act 36 of 2023 (Clean Slate Expansion, effective 2025).
Pennsylvania General Assembly. https://www.legis.state.pa.us
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