Bill > HB2697

This bill adds provisions relating to the confidentiality of juvenile court records. It repeals and replaces Section 211.321 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, which governs the confidentiality of juvenile court records. The key changes include: 1. Allowing the name and photograph of a juvenile to be released to the public if the juvenile escapes from a juvenile detention facility while in custody for an offense that would be considered a dangerous felony if committed by an adult. 2. Clarifying that peace officers' records of juveniles must be kept separate from records of adults and not be open to inspection, except by court order, unless the juvenile is transferred to a court of general jurisdiction or convicted under certain provisions. 3. Allowing the court to destroy or seal juvenile records, either on its own motion or upon application, once the juvenile reaches 18 years of age, unless the court's jurisdiction is continued beyond that age. 4. Specifying that general information regarding the informal adjustment or formal adjudication of a juvenile's case can be released to a victim or the victim's immediate family, without providing specific details.