Chris Latvala’s bill would “streamline” sealing of juvenile records

A Tampa Bay-area lawmaker wants to “streamline” the process for minors to expunge or seal their criminal records.

State Rep. Chris Latvala, a Clearwater Republican, filed his bill (HB 147) on Thursday for the 2016 legislative session.

And fellow state Rep. Chris Sprowls, a Palm Harbor Republican and assistant state prosecutor, agreed to co-sponsor the measure.

Youngsters “make less than intelligent decisions, with no intentions of being criminal, which may lead to unintended consequences,” Latvala said in a prepared statement. “It is my hope that young people who made a mistake are able to have their records cleared and are able to more effectively obtain jobs and careers.”

The bill would cut a break to juvenile lawbreakers who aren’t “serious or habitual offenders.”

For them, the legislation would allow juvenile criminal records to be expunged “five years after the date of the offense” instead of having to wait until the person turns 24 under current law.

Latvala’s bill “allows a path to forgiveness for minor offenses, allowing young people who have made a mistake to seek degrees and meaningful employment,” Sprowls said.

Both lawmakers were newly elected last year.

Latvala’s office said the bill is supported by Pinellas-Pasco State Attorney Bernie McCabe, Public Defender Bob Dillinger, the PACE Center for Girls, Florida Children First, Florida Youth Shine, the conservative James Madison Institute, the Florida Juvenile Justice Association, the FSU Project for Accountable Justice, and the Florida Coalition for Children.

The bill does not yet have a Senate companion.