Bill Opens Juvenile Proceedings House Oks Measure Making Felony Hearings Open To Public

Juvenile court proceedings for youngsters 14 or older who are charged with felonies would be open to the public under legislation easily approved by the House on Friday.

The bill, SB1018, already has passed the Senate. Idaho’s juvenile court proceedings now are conducted in secrecy.

Rep. Paul Kjellander, R-Boise, said when it comes to serious crimes committed by teenagers, that’s wrong.

“Our system allows juvenile felons to hide behind a veil of silence and secrecy,” he said. “I believe the current system protects felons at the risk of the public safety.”

Opponents of the measure - including Idaho Supreme Court Chief Justice Linda Copple Trout - have argued that it goes too far. Youngsters who are charged with serious crimes but later found innocent could have their reputations besmirched beyond repair, opponents say.

Rep. Wendy Jacquet, D-Ketchum, said, “I’m real uncomfortable with this.”

She said she has met many youngsters who’ve had brushes with the law, but have turned their lives around.

Rep. Margaret Henbest, D-Boise, said, “This refers to juveniles who are charged - not juveniles who are convicted. … Sometimes people are charged erroneously.”

Rep. Debbie Field, R-Boise, noted that the bill still allows secrecy if a judge and prosecutor agree that it’s warranted.

She said if a youth convicted of a sex crime were to transfer into her daughter’s class at school, she’d want to know.

Said Kjellander, “It lifts the veil.”

“It also helps us gauge just how serious the crimes are in our area. … Wouldn’t it be nice to know?”

The bill passed the House on a 61-9 vote, with all North Idaho representatives voting in favor. It now goes to Gov. Phil Batt.

, DataTimes