Bill > HB539

This bill modifies the Government Code to expand opportunities for victims of human trafficking to obtain an order of nondisclosure (a legal mechanism that seals criminal records) for certain drug and property-related offenses. Specifically, the bill broadens the list of eligible offenses that can be sealed, including multiple drug possession and theft-related crimes under the Health and Safety and Penal Codes. The bill allows individuals who were victims of human trafficking (under sections 20A.02, 20A.03, or 43.05 of the Penal Code) to petition the court for a nondisclosure order if they either assisted law enforcement in investigating trafficking offenses or were unable to assist due to age or physical/mental disability resulting from their victimization. The bill also modifies the eligibility requirements, removing previous restrictions while adding a new condition that the person cannot be ineligible under certain other legal provisions. This change aims to provide greater legal protection and opportunity for rehabilitation to individuals who committed crimes as a direct result of being trafficked. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB539