Bill > HB2472

This bill modifies the existing law regarding the handling of juveniles' fingerprints, palm prints, and photographs when a juvenile is taken into custody and charged with a delinquent act. The legislation requires law enforcement to obtain these records electronically when possible, including palm prints with accompanying distal prints if available. The bill mandates that these records be filed with the Central Criminal Records Exchange (a state database) and submitted electronically to the State Police, who must store them in a confidential and secure area inaccessible during routine system use. If no petition or warrant is filed against the juvenile, the electronic records must be destroyed as quickly as possible after the State Police are notified. The bill also specifies procedures for handling records in various scenarios, such as when a juvenile is convicted of a felony or found not guilty, and includes provisions for destroying fingerprints, palm prints, and photographs under certain circumstances. Importantly, the bill includes a delayed effective date of July 1, 2026, giving state agencies time to prepare for the new requirements. The legislation aims to balance the need for law enforcement record-keeping with protecting juveniles' privacy by ensuring strict protocols for collecting, storing, and destroying their personal identification records.

Justice

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/HB2472