Bill Overview
Title: Clean Start Act of 2022
Description: of 2022 This bill establishes a process to seal records related to a nonviolent criminal offense committed by an individual whose substance use disorder is a substantial contributing factor in the commission of the offense. A nonviolent criminal offense is a federal criminal offense that is not a violent offense, a sex offense, a serious drug offense, or an offense with a victim under the age of 18. To be eligible for sealing, an individual who is convicted of a nonviolent criminal offense must, among other things, complete a substance use disorder treatment program or recovery program and complete service in a substance use disorder peer mentorship program. This bill also allows the Department of Justice to give preference to a Community Oriented Policing Services program grant applicant from a state that has in effect (1) a substantially similar law related to sealing adult records, or (2) a law that allows an individual who successfully seals a criminal record to be free from civil and criminal perjury laws.
Sponsors: Sen. Manchin, Joe, III [D-WV]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals with nonviolent criminal offenses due to substance abuse
Estimated Size: 1000000
- The bill focuses on individuals with nonviolent criminal offenses where substance use disorder is a contributing factor.
- Substance use disorder has global prevalence, affecting millions of individuals across various demographics.
- Nonviolent offenses such as drug possession are common among individuals with substance abuse disorders.
- This legislation will impact individuals who have a history of substance abuse and have committed certain federal nonviolent offenses.
- The requirement to complete treatment and mentorship programs limits the population to those willing or able to comply with these conditions.
Reasoning
- The policy will most directly affect individuals who are currently facing barriers due to their nonviolent criminal records related to substance use disorders. This includes those who may have difficulty securing employment or housing due to their criminal history.
- The strategy of requiring individuals to complete treatment and peer mentorship components is designed to enhance personal recovery and societal reintegration, thereby potentially improving the overall wellbeing of these individuals.
- Given the high prevalence of substance use disorders in the U.S., and the volume of related nonviolent offenses, this policy is likely to have a significant impact, despite the constraints of budget and program capacity.
- The policy's impact will vary based on individual circumstances such as the availability of local support programs, personal motivation, and existing support networks.
- Improving access to sealing records reduces stigma and may lead to significant improvements in quality of life for affected individuals.
Simulated Interviews
Retail Worker (California)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could really change my life by letting me apply for jobs without the fear of background checks.
- Sealing my record would help me rebuild trust with my community.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Construction Worker (Florida)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's hard to stay positive when your past keeps coming back. This could give me a second chance.
- The mentorship program sounds like a good way to give back.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Student (New York)
Age: 22 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Being able to seal my record will help me pursue my education and career without the stigma.
- I'm optimistic about finishing my treatment and moving forward.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Unemployed (Texas)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 6.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could help me find work so I can stop relying on assistance.
- Completing a mentorship program is a challenge I'm willing to undertake.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Social Worker (Ohio)
Age: 33 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I see many clients who would benefit from this. It's great to see a policy that gives people hope.
- I was fortunate to have support; this policy can provide that for others.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Teacher (Montana)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Though I've moved on, clearing my record would be a relief.
- This type of policy shows that the system is trying to understand addiction.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Chef (Illinois)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I want a job where my past mistakes are not defining me.
- This policy offers the break many of us need.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Freelance Artist (Nevada)
Age: 37 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Sealing my record could secure my career and help me strive for consistency.
- I'm lucky to have access to treatment services, this requires them to be more available.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Hotel Manager (Alaska)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy would be more symbolic since my record affects few aspects of my current life.
- I appreciate the effort to reduce discrimination against those with past records.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Mechanic (New Mexico)
Age: 48 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 6.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Clearing my record would finally let me move up at work.
- I'm willing to mentor others to help them avoid my path.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $150000000 (Low: $120000000, High: $180000000)
Year 2: $140000000 (Low: $110000000, High: $170000000)
Year 3: $130000000 (Low: $100000000, High: $160000000)
Year 5: $120000000 (Low: $90000000, High: $150000000)
Year 10: $100000000 (Low: $80000000, High: $120000000)
Year 100: $50000000 (Low: $40000000, High: $60000000)
Key Considerations
- The bill places emphasis on nonviolent offenders with substance use disorders, which is a specific subgroup within the criminal justice system.
- State-level adoption and support of the bill's principles could vary, affecting the overall reach and impact.
- Long-term cost savings might exceed initial expenditures if recidivism rates reduce substantially.