This bill amends existing Nebraska laws regarding the unlawful possession of firearms by prohibited juvenile offenders and the sealing of juvenile records. It specifies that a person under the age of twenty-five who has been adjudicated for a felony or misdemeanor crime of domestic violence is prohibited from possessing a firearm, even if their juvenile record has been sealed. The bill introduces new language stating that this prohibition applies to offenses for which a juvenile record has been sealed upon the termination of probation. Additionally, it allows individuals under twenty-five to petition for an exemption from this prohibition, with the court considering their behavior post-adjudication and the likelihood of reoffending.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the process for sealing juvenile records, including the requirement for the court to notify relevant agencies and explain the implications of sealing to the juvenile. It also clarifies that sealed records can be accessed by certain entities, including law enforcement, for specific purposes, such as determining eligibility for firearm permits. The bill deletes previous provisions that allowed law enforcement access to sealed records only for employment purposes and adds new provisions that allow access to determine if a person under twenty-five has a relevant adjudication when applying for a handgun permit or purchase certificate. The original sections of the law are repealed to incorporate these changes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 28-1204.05