Each day, nearly three million men and women in Illinois are denied decent employment and housing due to prior convictions. On Friday, legislation supported by Senator Napoleon Harris III was signed into law that allows the courts to seal criminal records for eight non-violent offenses. Current law and practices prevent hard-working, law-abiding individuals the chance to move forward from past mistakes.

“Sealing records for ex-offenders removes a barrier for those who made mistakes in the past and are now trying to contribute to society,” State Senator Napoleon Harris said. “This legislation allows mothers and fathers who at one point made a mistake the opportunity to find meaningful employment and support their family.”