PEORIA ( 25News Now ) - After years of debate, the Illinois “Clean Slate” Act has passed in Springfield and is on its way to the governor’s desk, although his support of the legislation is still unclear.

Peoria officials believe this new law will significantly help close the city’s workforce gap.

The legislation, sponsored by State Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth (D-Peoria), will automatically seal or expunge certain criminal records. This means people will not have to petition the courts, a process that used to cost thousands in legal fees.

Exceptions include sexual violence against minors, DUIs, and reckless driving.

Rob Hanauer, a criminal defense lawyer with Hanauer Law Office, LLC in Peoria, said he regularly receives calls from clients seeking to seal or expunge their records. He said

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