New Bill Aims To Restrict Access To Wash. State Juvenile Offense Records

A new bill will be proposed this week in the Washington state Legislature that aims to limit access to the criminal records of juvenile offenders.

Juvenile criminal offense records have been open to the public in Washington state since 1977. Proponents of the bill say that limiting access to such records will give rehabilitated youth offenders a better chance at reintegrating into society. But critics of the idea say these juvenile offense records should remain open to the public.

The bill is being sponsored by Democratic Senator Jeannie Darnielle of Tacoma and Democratic Representative Ruth Kagi of South Snohomish and North King counties.