DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Gov. Terry Branstad has signed a bill into law that will keep most juvenile delinquency records confidential in Iowa. Branstad signed the legislation Wednesday at the Iowa Capitol, following overwhelming support in the Republican-majority House and the Democratic-controlled Senate. It also has the support of several advocacy groups. The measure is part of Branstad’s efforts to address criminal justice reform in Iowa.

The law will keep juvenile court records confidential unless otherwise ordered by a judge. The local NAACP says it will help youth who may struggle in the future to find work or educational opportunities because an old court record is disclosed. The law will apply to juvenile court proceedings that are pending or arise after July 1, when the measure goes into effect.