Committee approves language change to allow sealing of most juvenile adjudications

The Senate Judiciary Committee approved House Bill 14 72, a language update that clarifies which juvenile delinquency adjudication records remain ineligible for sealing or expungement.

Representative Carol Dobby, sponsor, told the committee the change targets the statute’s language so that only adjudications for a "felony involving violence as defined under section 5 4 5 0 1" would be excluded from eligibility for sealing. She described the change as an "update in language" and said it gives judges "more tools in the toolbox" to reward juveniles who rehabilitate and are ready to reenter the community.

Troy Braswell, a circuit and juvenile court judge, described the juvenile-justice context, saying some youths who could have been tried as adults instead are adjudicated in juvenile court and later demonstrate rehabilitation but cannot have those records sealed under the current statute’s broader language. Committee members asked whether the bill changes the 10-year look-back for violent felonies; Braswell and the sponsor clarified the 10-year retention applies to felonies involving violence while other adjudications could be sealed earlier if the court finds it appropriate.

There was no public testimony for or against the bill. The sponsor closed and asked for a favorable vote; the committee moved and passed HB 14 72.

The bill will proceed from committee with the committee’s recommendation.