Bill > HB990

This bill modifies the eligibility requirements for criminal defendants to obtain an order of nondisclosure of criminal history record information, which essentially allows individuals to seal certain criminal records from public view. The legislation makes several key changes, including reducing waiting periods for petitioning for nondisclosure after completing sentences for misdemeanors and state jail felonies. Specifically, the bill shortens the waiting period for some offenses from five to three years and introduces a new provision for individuals with multiple misdemeanor or state jail felony convictions. The bill creates a more nuanced approach to nondisclosure, allowing courts to include related offenses in the nondisclosure order if they meet certain criteria, such as not resulting in a conviction or being no longer pending. The changes apply to various types of criminal records, excluding certain serious offenses like those related to alcohol, domestic violence, and specific felonies under certain penal code chapters. The bill aims to provide more opportunities for individuals to clear their criminal records, potentially helping them with employment, housing, and other opportunities, while still maintaining restrictions for more serious criminal offenses. The new provisions will take effect on September 1, 2025.

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https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB990