Proposed bill would increase period before juvenile records are expunged

A new bill would prevent  Ohio juvenile court records from being expunged until offenders turn 28 if passed.

Co-sponsored by state Rep. Phil Plummer, a former Montgomery County sheriff, the bill was introduced less than two months after the Oregon District mass shooting.

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Plummer said he wants the records to be available longer because the profile of mass shooters typically is a white man in his mid-20s with a juvenile record.

However, some ague that the bill would prevent juveniles from moving on from past mistakes.

Here are three things to know about the bill:

1) It keeps juvenile records available to law enforcement for a longer period

Currently in Ohio, juvenile court records can be sealed once a case is over. The sealed records are then automatically expunged five years later or when the person turns 23,  whichever happens first.

>> RELATED: Ohio senators introduce resolution condemning Oregon District shooting

The only exceptions are convictions for murder, aggravated murder and rape.

Sealed records are still available to the court and some law enforcement agencies, but expunged records are not.

2) It would prevent juveniles with certain convictions from having a gun

Juveniles convicted of violent crimes, including rape, would be banned from having a firearm until their record was expunged.

>> RELATED: Dayton Shooting: Oregon District gunman left decade of red flags

3) It requires the background check system to be updated faster

Courts, police and other agencies would have one business day to upload information to the federal National Instant Criminal Background Check System, which is used for background checks for firearms purchase.

However, the bill would not require background checks for private or gun show sales.

On Monday, Nov. 4, News Center 7's I-Team with John Bedell digs into the Oregon District shooter's past and whether the bill could help prevent tragedies in the future. Tune in at 5:30 p.m.