(Bismarck, ND) — State Representative Brandy Pyle is the main sponsor of a bill that would automatically seal criminal court records in specific cases where defendants were found not guilty, had their cases dismissed, or were pardoned by the governor. The Casselton Republican says House Bill 1166 would help eliminate “unintended consequences” of allowing public access to case records that are closed. Opponents say the bill could create an “unworkable” burden for the courts, as well as hinder the media’s efforts in reporting on cases that are automatically sealed. Written and in-person arguments both for and against the bill were presented to the House Judiciary Committee on Monday.