Virginia’s Clean Slate Law took effect July 1, 2026, and it changes how criminal records appear in background screening. The law affects employers, staffing agencies, volunteer organizations, insurers, and investigators who rely on Virginia criminal history information.

What has changed

Under the law, qualifying records, including certain misdemeanors, non-convictions, and some lower-level felonies, may be sealed automatically or through a court petition once eligibility requirements are met. Sealed records generally should no longer appear on standard employment background checks. Business screening services must also stop disseminating records they know have been sealed and follow procedures for handling accuracy disputes.

What this means for employers

• Background reports may show fewer criminal records than before.
• Some convictions that appeared on earlier reports may no longer be reportable once lawfully sealed.
• Hiring policies that reference criminal history should be reviewed against current Virginia law.
• FCRA requirements and applicable state law continue to apply.

These changes do not make screening less valuable. They make it more important that your provider understands current law and reports only legally permissible information.

Impact on investigations

For attorneys, insurers, and businesses, public court records in Virginia may be more limited than in the past. That makes careful source verification and experienced research even more important when developing background information.

Horizon monitors legislative changes and researches verified court records directly. Learn more about our Criminal Background Searches.

General information only — confirm your specific process with qualified employment counsel.

Hiring in Virginia, or have questions about sealed records?

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