A major agreement for housing is off the table in Albany, but a bill to seal many criminal records remains very much alive.

New York lawmakers are working to conclude the legislative session that could culminate with a bill that seals many criminal records. It's a long-sought measure for criminal justice reform advocates, but one that has been opposed by law enforcement organizations who mounted a final effort on Thursday to oppose the legislation.  

Democratic lawmakers in the state Assembly, where the bill has never gained a full floor vote, approved the measure out of a key committee on Thursday afternoon. 

Lawmakers expect to vote on the legislation at some point on Friday. 

The proposal, known as the Clean Slate Act among its supporters, would seal criminal records eight years after a person's sentence ends for felony convictions and three years for misdemeanors. Sealed records would not include crimes like murder as well as sex crime convictions. 

Supporters have argued the measure is necessary to aid people who have struggled post-conviction and release to find a job or housing. 

""These are folks who have paid their debt society and are having obstacles put in their way everyday," said Assemblymember Erik Dilan. 

District attorneys, sheriffs and Republican lawmakers gathered in Albany, meanwhile, to continue to raise concerns over the legislation.

"Simply put, this goes way too far," McGowan said. "I’m deeply troubled by the scope of crimes that are subject to sealing, including those in which a victim was injured or suffered."

The question remains over whether Gov. Kathy Hochul would support the legislation should it gain final passage in the Legislature. Hochul this week stopped short of saying she supported the revised measure. 

"I do want to get a version of Clean Slate that actually deals with the efforts of giving people a second chance," Hochul said on Wednesday. "I think that's going to deal with recidivism. But we also have to be smart about it."