SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) -- The Illinois Senate passed a bill on Wednesday that would automatically seal criminal records for people convicted of crimes not considered "serious."

House Bill 1836, also known as the Clean Slate Act, aims to serve as a large step forward in criminal justice reform.

"The Clean Slate Act is about creating pathways to opportunity for people who have earned a second chance," State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) said in a release. "By automating the sealing process for eligible records, we're removing unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles that keep people from finding employment, securing housing, and fully reintegrating into their communities. At the same time, we've been deliberate in maintaining strong public safety protections and ensuring law enforceme

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