AR HB1576

Allows victims of violent felonies or sex offenses requiring registration to petition circuit court for removal or redaction of their identifying information from public documents and databases maintained by state and local agencies.

Court must conduct an in-camera hearing within 5 days and may grant the order if victim shows current retaliation/victimization, reasonable probability of future harm, or that removal serves the interests of justice.

Court orders for removal or redaction remain in effect for 5 years and may be renewed by written letter if the victim demonstrates continued need, with the court able to renew multiple times as necessary.

Victim may request that identifying information in voting records be placed under seal, with circuit court clerk complying unless a compelling reason exists not to seal the records.

Removed, redacted, or sealed information remains confidential under state law and is available only to the victim, criminal justice agencies for employment purposes, courts showing need for justice, prosecutors for criminal purposes, licensing boards, and election administrators, without requiring a court order.