Bill > SB487

This bill amends Arkansas law regarding the retention and expungement of juvenile delinquency records, specifically modifying how long different types of records are kept and when they can be sealed. Under the updated law, records of delinquency adjudications for violent felonies (as defined in § 5-4-501) will be kept for ten years after the last adjudication or plea, after which they may be expunged. For all other types of delinquency adjudications, records will now be automatically expunged when the individual turns 21 years old. The bill also changes the definition of "expunge" from "destroy" to "seal" as defined in § 16-90-1404, which means the records will be restricted from public access but not completely eliminated. Additionally, the court retains discretion to expunge other juvenile records at any time. These changes aim to provide more consistent and clear guidelines for handling juvenile records, potentially helping young individuals have a better opportunity to move beyond past legal issues.

Justice

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=sb487&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R