HB3701 Summary

• Amends the Department of Juvenile Justice hiring requirements to eliminate the requirement that the Department of Central Management Services verify educator licenses, allowing the State Board of Education to handle verification instead.

• Expands criminal record sealing and expungement eligibility for juveniles and adults, including provisions for immediate sealing of acquittals or dismissals with prejudice and allowing trafficking victims to petition for immediate sealing of criminal records.

• Modifies juvenile sentencing provisions to prohibit commitment to the Department of Juvenile Justice for certain offenses including Class 4 felonies (trespass, criminal damage, disorderly conduct) and restricts commitment for Class 3-4 drug felonies unless it's a third or subsequent probation violation.

• Requires the Department of Juvenile Justice to report quarterly to the Governor and General Assembly on facility populations, demographics, educational programs, capacity levels, staff-to-youth ratios, and incidents of violence and sexual aggression.

• Establishes procedures for employees to report work-related assaults and injuries without fear of retaliation or discrimination by the Department.