It has been said that it’s never too late for a second chance. Gov. Tom Wolf’s announcement last week demonstrates that this axiom holds true for Pennsylvanians with low-level crimes in their past who have gotten back on track.

The so-called Clean Slate Law, which allows those convicted of various misdemeanors, or were arrested but found not guilty, to have their records sealed, is for the most part a good thing. The stipulations are that the crimes or alleged crimes took place at least 10 years ago, and that all fines and fees associated with the incidents have been paid. Police, courts and prosecutors would still have access to the records.

We agree with Anne N. John, president of the Pennsylvania Bar Association, that the law could be “life-changing” for those eligible to have their records cleared by “opening doors to better opportunities for housing and jobs.” People who make mistakes or bad decisions in their youth — poor choices like thefts, DUIs, minor drug possessions or assaults — should not be haunted by them well into their adulthood.

Susan Bowser, the site manager of Butler’s CareerLink, correctly points out that there are numerous people who have committed minor crimes when they were young but have since become model citizens. Others might have been cited for less serious offenses and don’t even realize they have a criminal record. As a result, they might have trouble securing employment as a result of a mistake they made 20 years ago. This should not be the case.

While some of the law’s details are still in the works, the general idea is that felonies and serious crimes of a violent or sexual nature are ineligible for clearance. However, several offenses are listed in a document from the state’s Community Legal Services that aren’t eligible for automatic sealing, but could still be eligible through a court petition. Two of the offenses include indecent exposure and failure to comply with registration requirements, both of which now require registering as a sex offender.

This is where we believe the state should tread carefully. Even minor crimes that are sexual in nature can be predictive of more serious patterns of behavior. These offenses should not be swept under the rug. It is comforting to know that law enforcement will still have access to the records of a person who committed a crime of a sexual nature, but we believe that a community should also be kept apprised of such things.

Outside of those concerns, the Clean Slate Law is a good opportunity for letting bygones be bygones, and not holding responsible adults accountable for foolish mistakes they made in their youth.

— NCD