A new law that aims to give ex-offenders of low-level crimes a better foothold in society is now in effect.
The legislation allows people who have been convicted of non-violent misdemeanors to have their criminal record sealed from public view- if they have served their punishment and stayed out of the criminal justice system for 10 years.
The legislation’s prime sponsor Senator Stewart Greenleaf of eastern Pennsylvania says the measure will help these people get assistance, housing, loans and jobs that would otherwise be out of reach.
Supporters of the law says it will also reduce re-arrests and lower corrections costs for the state.
