AR SB89

Amends Arkansas Code § 9-27-309(a) to modify rules governing closed and confidential juvenile records under the Arkansas Juvenile Code of 1989.

Allows circuit courts discretion to close and keep confidential most juvenile records, with specific exceptions for adoption records, delinquency adjudications, and crime information reporting.

Requires prosecuting attorneys have access to delinquency adjudication records for juveniles who could have been tried as adults, for use in sentencing or determining whether to try the juvenile as an adult.

Mandates the Administrative Office of the Courts provide the Arkansas Crime Information Center with records of delinquency adjudications for offenses requiring juvenile fingerprinting under § 9-27-320.

Prohibits criminal courts from using records from dependency-neglect cases that contain information provided to the Department of Human Services, including staffing notes, counseling records, family therapy, substance abuse services, mediation, or psychological evaluations.