Bill > H5651

This bill amends existing laws regarding juvenile criminal records to allow for their disclosure during firearm background checks. Specifically, the bill creates an exception to the typical confidentiality of juvenile records by permitting the release of these records for National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) firearm background checks until the individual reaches 21 years old. Currently, juvenile records are kept separate from adult records and are generally withheld from public inspection, with limited access granted only to parents, guardians, or attorneys of the juvenile. The new provision would enable law enforcement and background check systems to access these records to determine whether an individual meets federal disqualification criteria for firearm ownership under 18 U.S.C. §922(g), which prohibits certain individuals from possessing firearms based on criminal history. The bill aims to close potential gaps in firearm background checks by allowing the review of juvenile criminal records during the screening process, while still maintaining most of the existing protections for juvenile privacy.

Justice

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