HB 349 Summary

• Exempts criminal history information of juveniles retained by the Criminal Justice Information Program from public records disclosure requirements, subject to repeal on October 2, 2023 unless reenacted by the Legislature.

• Specifies that juvenile criminal history information remains confidential and exempt unless the juvenile was taken into custody for a felony-level offense, charged with a felony, found to have committed a felony, or transferred to adult court.

• Allows minors ages 18-21 to apply for early expunction of criminal history records if they have not been charged with any offense in the 5-year period prior to application, requiring a $75 processing fee and state attorney approval.

• Provides that serious or habitual juvenile offenders have records retained for 5 years after reaching age 21, while other juveniles have records retained for 2 years after reaching age 19, after which records are automatically expunged unless criteria for retention are met.

• Takes effect July 1, 2018, and includes a statement of public necessity emphasizing rehabilitation and employment opportunities for individuals with juvenile criminal histories.