Connecticut’s Clean Slate Record Erasure Finally Takes Off — with iLAB as a Key Testing Partner
After years of delays, Connecticut has officially launched its Clean Slate record erasure program, clearing tens of thousands of old criminal convictions. iLAB has been proud to serve as the clean slate testing partner to ensure the system is accurate, reliable, and secure.
This milestone marks not just a legal turning point, but a major data quality and technology achievement for one of the most complex IT justice reform projects in the state’s history.
A Landmark Law Meets Real-World Complexity
When Connecticut passed its Clean Slate law in 2021, the goal was ambitious: automatically erase certain old criminal records to remove barriers to employment, housing, and education for eligible residents.
The law provides for:
- Misdemeanor convictions: erased after 7 years
- Eligible felony convictions: erased after 10 years
- Pre-2000 convictions: eligible through petition for erasure
- Exclusions for violent and sexual offenses
- Originally slated to launch in early 2023, the program faced multiple setbacks due to fragmented record systems, legacy IT, and data quality issues.
It’s one of the most complex IT projects in Connecticut history.
Why the Rollout Stalled: Data Quality in Clean Slate Initiatives
By mid-2024, only about 13,600 records had been cleared—far fewer than expected. Behind the scenes, the state encountered:
- Coordination across 13 different agencies with disparate systems
- Decades of unstandardized paper and digital records
- Legacy systems that couldn’t support automation at scale
- Data quality gaps, including mismatches, duplicates, and incomplete entries
- A lack of integrated testing and audit mechanisms
By then, the state had invested more than $8 million in infrastructure upgrades and later secured an additional $10 million bond in 2025 to address systemic issues.
These roadblocks underscored a central lesson: clean slate record erasure isn’t just a legal challenge—it’s a data and technology challenge.
iLAB Steps In as Connecticut’s Clean Slate Testing Partner
In July 2024, the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) contracted iLAB to help bring stability and quality assurance to the Clean Slate initiative.
“We are honored to support a state as forward-thinking as Connecticut in this critical initiative. Connecticut is setting a standard with its innovative use of complex algorithms and data-driven processes. Our team is excited to contribute its technical expertise, helping the state lead the way in restoring opportunities and bringing relief to thousands of its residents.”
Jethro Lloyd
CEO, iLAB
Under this partnership, iLAB focused on:
- Data harmonization and validation across multiple systems
- Implementing safeguards to prevent wrongful erasures
- Stress testing and scenario simulations at scale
- Coordinating with courts, corrections, and law enforcement agencies
- Auditing and verifying automated erasure workflows
This rigorous approach positioned iLAB as more than a contractor—it became a critical testing partner helping the state transform a stalled initiative into a promise delivered.
The Breakthrough: Clean Slate Record Erasure Begins at Scale
In October 2025, Connecticut conducted its first mass erasure, clearing more than 50,000 convictions.
- Total eligible individuals: ~119,383
- Additional records expected to be cleared: 100,000+
This was a turning point for both the state and the Clean Slate initiative. The record erasure system is now functioning at scale—with accuracy safeguards and testing protocols in place.
iLAB was helping a lot with checking the software and checking the systems… The data was coming from all locations—paper, old computer systems.
Why Data Quality Matters in Clean Slate Initiatives
The Clean Slate experience in Connecticut offers important lessons for other states:
- Policy requires infrastructure. A law on paper isn’t enough without robust technical systems.
- Data quality drives trust. Clean slate record erasure must be accurate to protect individuals and ensure public confidence.
- Testing partnerships are essential. Independent testing partners like iLAB bring the specialized expertise needed to validate complex government systems.
- Ongoing monitoring matters. Clean slate erasure isn’t a one-time project; it’s a continuous process that requires sustained quality assurance.
iLAB’s Continuing Commitment
With mass erasures now underway, iLAB continues to:
- Monitor and audit ongoing automation
- Identify anomalies or errors early
- Ensure data integrity across agencies
- Support the state in maintaining public trust in the Clean Slate
This is not just a technology project—it’s a social impact mission. By ensuring accuracy and accountability, iLAB is helping Connecticut deliver on the promise of second chances.
About iLAB
iLAB is a global leader in software quality assurance and trusted partner for complex, high-stakes government technology initiatives.