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Vote on bill to seal some criminal records delayed

A bipartisan measure that provides for automatic sealing of criminal records for minor offenses that had been scheduled for a vote in Harrisburg on Wednesday will likely come up for a vote next week. The "Clean Slate" legislation has the potential to be the first of its kind in the nation and has support on both sides of the aisle.

Pennsylvania Senator Scott Wagner, R-York, is a lead sponsor of the bill. Gov. Wolf as said he’ll sign it.
Pennsylvania Senator Scott Wagner, R-York, is a lead sponsor of the bill. Gov. Wolf as said he’ll sign it.Read more(MICHAEL PRONZATO / Staff Photographer)

A bipartisan measure that provides for automatic sealing of criminal records for minor offenses, originally scheduled for a vote in Harrisburg on Wednesday, will likely come up for a vote next week instead. The "Clean Slate" legislation — Senate Bill 529, along with its companion, House Bill 1419 — has the potential to be the first of its kind in the nation and has support on both sides of the aisle.

Its sponsors, and advocates, say that by automatically sealing criminal records for certain offenses, people with criminal pasts will have a better chance of finding work. The records would still be available to law enforcement.

State Sen. Scott Wagner (R., York), a potential gubernatorial candidate, is a sponsor. Gov. Wolf has said that he would sign the bill if it is approved.