Story perspectives

Sheena Meade Heads Clean Slate, 18M Aid, Critics Warn

5/30/2026

Summary

Story summary

Sheena Meade’s 2004 bounced-check arrest bars her from housing and employment, prompting her to head the Clean Slate Initiative.
Clean Slate laws now operate in 13 states, and Republican Governor Kevin Stitt and Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul have signed such legislation.
The initiative reports 18 million Americans have a pathway to record clearance, but critics like Maine Governor Janet Mills warn automatic sealing could hide information and raise First Amendment concerns.

1 of 1

Story summary

Sheena Meade’s 2004 bounced-check arrest bars her from housing and employment, prompting her to head the Clean Slate Initiative.
Clean Slate laws now operate in 13 states, and Republican Governor Kevin Stitt and Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul have signed such legislation.
The initiative reports 18 million Americans have a pathway to record clearance, but critics like Maine Governor Janet Mills warn automatic sealing could hide information and raise First Amendment concerns.