OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation to streamline the process for juvenile record expungements passed the House on Monday with a bipartisan vote of 86 to 9.

House Bill 1799, authored by Rep. Nicole Miller, R-Edmond, would encourage the juvenile, their parents or guardian, or their attorney, to seek juvenile expungement.  This would allow Oklahomans to begin the juvenile record expungement orally or through a written petition at the time the case is being dismissed, instead of waiting until they turn 21.

“Many people believe that juvenile records are automatically confidential,” Miller said. “This legislation would simplify the process for Oklahomans to have their juvenile records sealed.”

Rep. José Cruz, D-OKC, a coauthor of the legislation, sees HB1799 as a chance to remove obstacles for Oklahomans trying to succeed, while also prioritizing public safety.

“This legislation doesn’t change the circumstances in which a court can access expunged records,” Cruz said. “What it does is remove barriers to employment, education, and housing. To a lot of Oklahomans doing their best to improve their circumstance, this policy change could be the difference in failure and success.”

HB1799 is now eligible to be heard on the Senate floor.