ST. PAUL, MN – Today, lawmakers in the Minnesota House of Representatives passed a bill authored by Rep. Carly Melin (DFL—Hibbing) designed to remove barriers to employment, housing, and post-secondary education for Minnesotans with juvenile delinquency records.
Rep. Melin’s bill (HF 392) passed with strong bipartisan support. Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle approved the legislation by a vote of 120-13.
Specifically, the legislation restricts public access to electronic juvenile delinquency records kept in court information systems related to public court proceedings. However, records would remain accessible under certain instances, such as when a prosecutor files a motion for adult certification or when the juvenile has committed violent crimes.
“There are lots of kids in Minnesota who suffer life-long collateral consequences when they make mistakes as juveniles,” said Rep. Melin. “My bill aims to give those Minnesotans a second chance so they can move on and become productive members of our communities. There shouldn’t be barriers to employment, housing, or a post-secondary degree simply because someone screwed up when they were a kid.”
A diverse coalition of stakeholders supports Rep. Melin’s bill, including the Minnesota Corrections Association, the Minnesota Second Chance Coalition, and the Minnesota Association of County Probation Officers.