This bill amends the process for sealing juvenile court records in Iowa, allowing courts to initiate sealing hearings on their own motion for individuals who were subjects of complaints or petitions alleging delinquency. The hearings must occur two years after the last official action or when the individual turns 18, whichever is later. The bill also mandates that if a court dismisses a petition, it must seal all related juvenile court records. Additionally, it modifies the conditions under which records can be sealed for individuals adjudicated delinquent for serious offenses, requiring a hearing if the state objects to sealing the records.

Furthermore, the bill establishes that individuals who have been subsequently convicted of serious offenses may still have their records sealed if the court finds it in the best interests of both the individual and the public. It directs the Iowa Supreme Court to provide guidance and timelines for district courts to identify and seal eligible juvenile records from cases that began before the bill's effective date, with a goal of completing this process within one year. The bill is effective immediately upon enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 232.150, 232.147