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 bill also permits the sealing of records for any minor named in an eviction proceeding, as well as for individuals aged 18 to 21 who are named in an eviction proceeding but did not execute the lease and have a familial relationship with any tenant named in the eviction proceeding.

The court is required to seal the record following the expiration of any appeal period when a tenant prevails in a hearing or trial. The sealing of records under these provisions will not count against a party's eligibility to request the sealing of one eviction record every five years. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
8385: 34-18-60