SEALED JUVENILE RECORD & PRETRIAL DETENTION

HB 179 allows legal parties (like prosecutors or defense attorneys) to reference sealed juvenile records in specific court proceedings, including pretrial detention hearings, conditions of release, and sentencing. This change applies to individuals whose juvenile records were legally sealed under New Mexico law, meaning their sealed records can now be considered in these limited contexts. The bill amends existing sealing rules to permit the use of a sealed juvenile record's existence and contents in written pleadings for these proceedings, while maintaining confidentiality for all other purposes. It does not alter the criteria for sealing juvenile records or the general confidentiality protections for sealed files.