Have you ever worked with clients to expunge a record? Have you used criminal background checks in your work and run into issues? Have you helped clients remedy or challenge a criminal record? We want to hear from you! Join us for a focus group and be a part of critical research about the implementation and effectiveness of the Minnesota's new Clean Slate law.

About the project:

The consequences of a criminal record can be devastating. Private sector criminal background checks are widely used to screen applicants for housing, employment, and volunteering opportunities. A law in 2024 sought to address this discrimination: “Clean Slate” was enacted by the Minnesota State legislature to automatically seal many criminal records. But the extent to which these companies comply with the new law is unknown. At the Minnesota Justice Research Center, we want to know… Is the law working? Are private companies complying? Are people experiencing the impact?

Learn more at mnjrc.org/background-checks.

About the focus group sessions:

In the late summer and fall of 2025, MNJRC is conducting focus groups with professionals like you to improve our understanding of the impact of background checks and expungements on Minnesotans. Here's what you can expect:

facilitated dialogue circles
connections to resources for more information about Clean Slate
time to connect with other professionals/practitioners
food/refreshments (when in-person)

RSVP strongly encouraged.

Questions? Reach out to mackenzie@mnjrc.org.

Practitioner Focus Group: A Reality Check on Background Checks