California SB 731 Automatic Relief
Understanding Senate Bill 731
The Next Generation of Automatic Relief
Effective July 1, 2023, SB 731 dramatically expands California's automatic record relief to include most felony convictions, building upon the Clean Slate Act to provide second chances for millions more Californians.
Key Expansions Under SB 731:
- Includes felonies punishable by state prison (not just county jail)
- Covers convictions from January 1, 2005 onward
- Automatic relief after 4 years (no new convictions)
- No petition or court fees required
- Applies even if you served time in state prison
SB 731 vs. Previous Relief Laws
| Aspect | Clean Slate (SB 1106) | SB 731 (New) |
|---|---|---|
| Effective Date | July 1, 2022 | July 1, 2023 |
| Felonies Covered | County jail felonies only | State prison felonies included |
| Date Range | 1973 - present | January 1, 2005 - present |
| Waiting Period | 4 years | 4 years |
| Arrests Sealed | Yes | Yes (expanded) |
SB 731 Eligibility Requirements
Automatic Relief Eligibility
For Felony Convictions:
- ✓ Conviction occurred on/after January 1, 2005
- ✓ Completed all terms of sentence (including probation/parole)
- ✓ 4 years have passed since sentence completion
- ✓ No new felony convictions during 4-year period
For Arrest Records:
- ✓ Arrest occurred on/after January 1, 2021
- ✓ No conviction resulted from the arrest
- ✓ Statute of limitations has expired
Excluded from SB 731
Serious/Violent Felonies:
- • Murder, attempted murder
- • Rape, sexual assault
- • Child molestation
- • Kidnapping
- • Robbery
- • Arson
Other Exclusions:
- • Sex offender registrants
- • Currently incarcerated
- • On probation/parole
- • Outstanding restitution
- • Federal convictions
- • Out-of-state convictions
SB 731 Implementation Timeline
July 1, 2023
SB 731 takes effect. DOJ begins identifying eligible records for automatic relief.
Ongoing Processing
Courts process eligible cases automatically. Due to volume, processing may take months or years.
Record Updates
Criminal records automatically updated to show "conviction relief granted" in DOJ databases.
Benefits of SB 731 Relief
Employment Opportunities
- Answer "no" to conviction questions
- Pass most background checks
- Qualify for professional licenses
- Access government jobs
Legal Benefits
- Conviction legally dismissed
- Protection from discrimination
- Improved immigration status
- Restored civil rights
Housing Access
- Qualify for more rentals
- Access public housing
- Better mortgage options
- No felony housing bans
Personal Benefits
- Peace of mind
- Improved self-esteem
- Better family opportunities
- True second chance
SB 731 Frequently Asked Questions
Why doesn't SB 731 cover convictions before 2005?
The legislature limited SB 731 to convictions from 2005 onward to manage implementation costs and complexity. Older convictions may still qualify for relief under the original Clean Slate Act or traditional expungement.
What if I have both eligible and ineligible convictions?
SB 731 will automatically clear your eligible convictions even if you have other convictions that don't qualify. Each conviction is evaluated separately based on its own merits.
Will SB 731 help with federal background checks?
SB 731 updates California DOJ records, which are used by most employers. However, FBI databases may still show the original conviction. Federal agencies and some sensitive positions may still see dismissed convictions.
How do I know if my record has been cleared under SB 731?
You likely won't receive notification. We recommend obtaining a background check or DOJ records to verify relief has been granted. Our team can help verify your status and ensure proper clearing.
Can I speed up the SB 731 process?
While you can't expedite automatic processing, you can file a traditional petition (PC 1203.4 or 1203.42) to get immediate relief. This is especially important if you need clearing for employment or housing.