Kate Lisa at New York State of Politics that in the final hours of the state legislature this past weekend, lawmakers approved a bill that would automatically seal criminal records three years after sentencing for a misdemeanor, and eight years after a person is released from prison for a felony conviction. The Clean Slate Act, which Gov. Kathy Hochul needs to sign to become a law, does not apply to class A felonies or crimes that required a person to register as a sex offender. Assemblywoman Catalina Cruz, who sponsored the bill, said, "People can change.... People can get better. People can repent. People can be forgiven. Our society should not be judged on the behavior of one member at its worst moment, but on our ability to forgive them and to grant them the ability to move forward and heal and to become productive members of our society." The bill was approved June 9 by the Assembly 83-64 and by the Senate 38-25. Republicans, such as Assemblyman John McGowan, opposed the bill saying, "People are entitled to a second chance, they certainly are, but what this legislation does is it creates a blanket opportunity for certain offenses that should not qualify for automatic sealing." Assemblyperson Eddie Gibbs is the first formerly incarcerated member of the state Legislature, and he voted for the bill, saying, "There's the conversation throughout the chambers regarding me, so I felt like a prop.... But I'm proud to be a prop. If it's going to help these 2.3 million New Yorkers come home and re-enter society and do something good in their communities, use me." Kate Lisa at New York State of Politics