The proposed bill, known as the Residential Tenant Clean Slate Act, aims to provide a mechanism for sealing eviction records to help tenants move forward without the stigma of past evictions. It establishes definitions for key terms such as "clean slate relief," "eviction proceeding," "landlord," "tenant," and "trial court." The bill mandates that if a trial court dismisses an eviction proceeding, it must immediately grant clean slate relief to the tenant. Additionally, tenants can petition for clean slate relief under specific circumstances, including if the eviction was related to nonpayment during the COVID-19 pandemic or if a minor child was involved in the proceeding.

The bill outlines the process for tenants to petition for clean slate relief, including requirements for notice and the handling of objections. Upon granting relief, the court will seal the eviction records, ensuring they are not part of the public record and cannot be disclosed. It also prohibits landlords from considering prior evictions for which clean slate relief has been granted when evaluating housing applications. The act is set to become operative on January 1, 2026, and allows the State Court Administrator to create necessary rules and regulations for its implementation.