Senate Passes Rodriguez Bipartisan “Clean Slate” Bill to Help Coloradans Rebuild Their Lives, Access Work & Housing

Legislation would help redevelop state’s workforce & bolster economy

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate unanimously approved a bipartisan bill sponsored by Senator Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver, and Senator Dennis Hisey, R-Fountain, that seeks to reform the way criminal records are sealed to help Coloradans get jobs and access housing.

Currently, criminal records can be an obstacle for folks in search of jobs or housing, further punishing Coloradans after they have served their time while also harming the state’s workforce. SB22-099 would remove this initial barrier to housing and employment by making the process automatic.

“Minor offenses should not get in the way of a person's ability to find a job or a place to live in Colorado, but that is unfortunately the case in our state,” said Rodriguez. “Automatically sealing criminal records will help Coloradans who have paid their debt to society access the jobs and housing they need to rebuild their lives while strengthening our workforce as we work to rebuild our economy and move Colorado forward.”

The pandemic has made it harder for employers to hire and retain employees, and for Coloradans to find adequate housing.

Under the bill, criminal records that are currently eligible for sealing upon petition, including civil infractions, will now be automatically sealed. This includes the records of victims of human trafficking who have been convicted or charged with prostitution. 

SB22-099 now moves to the House for further consideration. Track the progress of the bill HERE.