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Westchester County Legislator James Nolan Issues Statement on Governor Hochul Signing the Clean Slate Act

James Nolan

Westchester County Legislator James Nolan Issues Statement on Governor Hochul Signing the Clean Slate Act

Official Press Release from James Nolan

The Clean Slate Act was signed by New York State Governor Kathy Hochul on Thursday, November 16, 2023, after more than a year of intense debate between advocates and opponents of the law. The Clean Slate Act will automatically seal records after three years for anyone who committed a misdemeanor and after eight years for anyone who committed a felony (except Class A felonies) and is not a registered sex offender. One of the leading challengers to the law in New York State was Westchester County Legislator James Nolan (R-Yonkers, Eastchester, Bronxville) was released the following statement in response.

“Earlier today, Governor Hochul signed the abhorrent Clean Slate Act. The Clean Slate Act will automatically seal records after three years for anyone who committed a misdemeanor and after eight years for anyone who committed a felony (except Class A felonies) and is not a registered sex offender. Passing this law is nothing more than another kick in the shins to victims of violent crimes and their loved ones. This law only serves to protect those who have committed heinous crimes. Last January, I was proud to vote against a resolution in favor of The Clean Slate Act and I thank all the elected officials in Albany who did their due diligence and voted against it. Pro-criminal, anti-victim reforms like this are foolish.“

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  1. Hal Jalikakik

    James Nolan needs to STFU. He is the living embodiment of “Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel”. His entire game is based on instilling fear in his constituents, much like that sebaceous blowhard Breen.

    Reply
  2. Robbie

    And when “The Worst President in US History” is convicted of a felony, you will still vote for him. You are such a fraud.

    Reply
  3. Ron Matten

    New York State’s “Clean Slate Law” is not the is not the first in the country and it is a welcome addition to NYS. The only change I would make is to add a review commission which could judge the efficacy of the law after three and then five years. This would determine whether the waiting period is sufficient. Remember this law does not apply to Class A felonies.
    I would think this would be applauded within Yonkers government. After all, we have convicted felons actively involved in Yonkers politics and governmental administration. Yonkers truly is the city of second chances.

    Reply
  4. Jeff Meyer

    The Clean Slate Act has been a huge matter of discussion among my fellow law enforcement retiree friends. I must admit I am in the minority, but I support of this legislation. I believe the safeguards within the legislation sufficiently protects the public safety. I also believe that sometimes we can forget that the purpose of incarceration is rehabilitation. To carry a scarlet F, as in felon, on your record permanently almost certainly curtails one’s ability to become gainfully employed and to be a productive, taxpaying citizen in society. Punishing a person twice, which I believe the current system does, is beneficial to no one. I am not a bleeding heart as I strongly differed with bail reform in the respect that it removes virtually all judicial review and discretion from the equation. That said, on balance I believe the Clean Slate Act is a net positive. I respect the positions of others who do not share my opinion.

    Jeff Meyer

    Reply

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