Illinois will erase some juvenile arrest records

CHICAGO - Gov. Pat Quinn has signed legislation to erase some arrest records for children who were not charged with a crime.

The legislation approved Saturday automatically clears records in less-serious, non-violent cases upon the person's 18th birthday.

The law takes effect Jan. 1. It will exclude sex-related offenses, higher-level felony arrests and those occurring within the previous six months.

Supporters say the law will give youths a better chance to get jobs, enter college and avoid gang violence.

Some lawmakers were concerned because the measure does not guarantee that some lower-level arrest records will not be made public.

The Democratic governor said Saturday the new law, known as the "clean slate" measure, will ensure youths "have every opportunity to land a job and succeed in life."