In a unanimous vote, the Senate passed SHB 1651, the Youth Opportunities Act that will seal juvenile records at age 18 for most youth offenders.
The foundation of our state’s juvenile justice system is rehabilitation. It is most successful when youth reintegrate into society and become active, law-abiding, contributing members of their communities. But our current system makes that impossible. Washington is one of only eight states that have open juvenile records.
Rep. Ruth Kagi, prime sponsor of the bill said, “The Youth Opportunities Act is about core values: fairness, equality, and opportunity. Children everywhere make foolish and stupid mistakes. In 42 other states these children get a second chance. But here in Washington, their mistakes follow them forever.”
The Youth Opportunities Act balances rehabilitation and public safety by sealing juvenile records for only non-violent offenses, while keeping those for serious, violent or sex offenses open. The bill was strongly supported by many members of law enforcement, including King County Sheriff John Urquhart, Shoreline Police Chief Shawn Ledford and State Representative Mike Hope, R-Lake Stevens.
“This bill will provide thousands of young adults who have made a mistake in their teens the chance for a fresh start when they turn 18 – the ability to become productive adults,” said Rep. Kagi. “They will be able to get jobs, housing and scholarships, opportunities that are often not available to people with a juvenile record.”
Research shows that sealing juvenile records will give youth in our state a meaningful opportunity to succeed while decreasing recidivism, unemployment and homelessness.
SHB 1651 now heads to Governor Inslee’s desk for his signature.