The bill revises the Youth Court Act to enhance access to sealed records, allowing for greater transparency and accountability in the judicial process. It introduces provisions that require victim consent before certain records can be destroyed, ensuring that victims have a say in the handling of their cases. Additionally, the bill permits victims of specific crimes to access sealed records through court orders, provided they can demonstrate good cause.

Furthermore, the bill amends Section 41-5-216 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to incorporate these changes, reflecting a commitment to balancing the rights of victims with the need for confidentiality in youth court proceedings. Overall, the legislation aims to improve the accessibility of important legal documents while safeguarding the interests of victims involved in youth court cases.

Statutes affected:
HB0886_1.pdf: 41-5-216
HB0886_2.pdf: 41-5-216
Amended: 41-5-216
Introduced: 41-5-216