CA SB1038

Removes the age 21 restriction on dismissing juvenile petitions, allowing courts to dismiss petitions at any time if the interests of justice and welfare of the person require it or if the person is not in need of treatment or rehabilitation.

Requires courts to dismiss petitions when a minor satisfactorily completes an informal program of supervision, probation under Section 725, or probation for any offense not listed in Section 707(b).

Mandates courts seal all records pertaining to dismissed petitions in juvenile court custody, with limited exceptions allowing prosecuting attorneys and probation departments access to determine deferred entry of judgment eligibility.

Clarifies that courts need not maintain jurisdiction over a person between the time their jurisdiction terminates and when their petition is dismissed.

Permits courts to access sealed records for the limited purpose of verifying prior jurisdictional status of wards petitioning to resume jurisdiction without requiring notice or constituting an unsealing of the record.