The bill amends Section 34-18-60 of the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act to introduce new provisions regarding the sealing of court files related to eviction actions. It allows the court to seal records under specific circumstances, including when a civil action is dismissed due to a defective complaint or lack of jurisdiction. The sealing of an eviction record under these circumstances will not count against a moving party's eligibility to request the sealing of one eviction record within a five-year period.

Additionally, the bill mandates that if a tenant prevails in a hearing or trial, the court must seal the record following the expiration of any appeal period, with similar eligibility considerations for sealing requests. The bill also provides for the sealing of records for minors named in an eviction proceeding, as well as for individuals between the ages of eighteen (18) and twenty-one (21) who did not execute the lease and have a familial relationship with any tenant named in the eviction proceeding. The sealing of records for these individuals will also not count against the eligibility for sealing requests within the specified five-year period. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
3163: 34-18-60