Automatic sealing of juvenile records approved

A bill that will tighten the process of sealing juvenile adjudication records in Nebraska passed March 21.

LB354, introduced by Lincoln Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks, requires that any juvenile’s record be sealed automatically upon satisfactory completion of diversion, mediation, probation, supervision or other treatment program.

Under the bill, a juvenile’s record will be sealed automatically if no charges are filed or if the charges are dismissed.

If a record is not automatically sealed, the juvenile or his or her parent can file a motion to have it sealed six months after the case has been closed or when the juvenile has reached the age of majority, whichever is sooner.

The bill allows the state court administrator to permit viewing of a sealed record for bona fide research.

The bill passed on a 46-0 vote.