JUV CT-EXPUNGEMENT

Amends the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. Provides that a minor who is eligible to have his or her juvenile records expunged shall at the time of sentencing or dismissal of the case be informed by the judge of his or her right to expungement and shall be provided an expungement information packet by the clerk of the circuit court. Provides that if an objection to expungement is filed within 90 days of the notice of expungement, a hearing shall be set on the objections. Provides that the State Appellate Defender shall, by December 31, 2004, establish, maintain, and carry out a juvenile expungement program to provide information to minors eligible to have their records expunged. Provides that the State Appellate Defender shall establish and maintain a statewide toll-free telephone number that a person may use to receive information or assistance concerning the expungement of juvenile records. Provides that except with respect to law enforcement agencies, the Department of Corrections, State's Attorneys, or other prosecutors, an expunged juvenile record may not be considered by any private or public entity in employment matters, certification, licensing, revocation of certification or licensure, or registration. Provides that applications for employment must contain specific language that states that the applicant is not obligated to disclose expunged juvenile records of conviction or arrest. Provides that employers may not ask if an applicant has had a juvenile record expunged. Provides that effective January 1, 2005, the Department of Employment Security shall develop a program to inform employers that employers may not ask if an applicant had a juvenile record expunged and that application for employment must contain specific language that states that the applicant is not obligated to disclose expunged juvenile records of arrest or conviction. Effective immediately.