Clinton-Dannemora guard tower. Photo: Natasha Haverty Jun 03, 2021 — As the New York State Legislature’s session draws to a close, lawmakers are considering several criminal justice changes, including what’s known as the Clean Slate legislation. It would expunge some criminal records for those who have already served their time in prison. Supporters of the Clean Slate legislation, who held rallies in cities across the state, say lingering criminal records even after a person has served their time, can lead to a lifetime of blocked opportunities, including discrimination in housing and employment. Advocates who were convicted of crimes and released from prison say it can leave them in a state of “perpetual punishment”.