Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Lancaster legislators to host record-clearing information session for justice-involved residents

Lancaster legislators to host record-clearing information session for justice-involved residents

Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus    April 13, 2026 | 12:44 PM

HARRISBURG, April 13 – State Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El and Nikki Rivera, both D-Lancaster, will host a record-clearing information session to help justice-involved residents better understand Pennsylvania’s expungement, pardon, and record-sealing laws from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 22 at Lancaster Public Library, 151 N. Queen St.

“Minor criminal convictions from years past have kept many people from getting jobs, pursuing an education or finding housing, creating a permanent underclass in Pennsylvania,” Smith-Wade-El said. “Our information session will help break this cycle by educating people on the steps they can take to clear their records and start fresh.”

The representatives cited a 2020 Brennan Center study that analyzed the long-term negative impact of convictions on average wages, which ranged from a 16.0% reduction in wages for a misdemeanor conviction, to 21.7% for a felony conviction without imprisonment to 51.7% loss in wages for imprisonment. Overall, the study found that $55.2 billion per year annually is lost in earnings by formerly imprisoned Americans.

“It’s not just the individuals who are impacted by lost wages and reduced opportunities, but their families and communities,” the representatives said. “We hope that by helping justice-involved residents clear their records, we can reduce the impact of criminal convictions on society and help uplift our local communities.”

During this workshop, Smith-Wade-El, Rivera and their partner organizations will explain the steps individuals can take to clear eligible records and will answer attendees’ questions.

“When someone is given a second chance, everyone benefits,” Rivera said. “Our information session aims to give residents the tools and connections they need to start over.”

This event is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring any questions or relevant documentation.

Residents are required to RSVP: https://recorderaser.net/event/04-2026-record-clearing-info-session/