Last week, Governor Terry Branstad signed a bill into law that would keep juvenile court records confidential.

State Representative Chip Baltimore took the lead on the bill as the chair of the judiciary committee and was pleased with the legislation getting signed by the governor.

“I think the juvenile records bill is a positive step in helping young people who make poor decisions have the opportunity to overcome their decisions and go on to build productive lives.  This new law strikes the appropriate balance between helping young people and still protecting the public from dangerous or violent juvenile criminals.”

He notes violent criminal records like sexual abuse or murder will be kept open to the public.