A new state law took effect over the weekend in New York that wipes criminal records clean for millions of people convicted of misdemeanors and felonies. Under the law, misdemeanors get sealed 3 years after sentencing and felonies after 8 years.

New Yorkers with criminal histories who have stayed out of trouble will have their records sealed beginning this weekend. It will happen because of a new law known as the Clean Slate Act. Criminal justice reform advocates pushed for the law to help people turning their lives around with employment and

Supporters say the Clean Slate Act, signed into law last year, will help formerly incarcerated people get housing, jobs and education.

The Clean Slate Act took effect in New York State Saturday, after being signed by Governor Kathy Hochul in 2023.

A new state law​ wipes criminal records clean for millions of people in New York. Supporters say it will fill jobs and help the economy, but not everybody thinks it's a good idea. CBS News New York's John Dias reports.

Starting Saturday, almost 2.5 million New Yorkers will have their state criminal records automatically sealed under the Clean Slate Act.

Under the new law, certain criminal conviction records will be sealed to allow people to have access to housing, education and jobs, with exceptions for law enforcement and work with vulnerable populations.