Bill > HB3261

This bill introduces a new legal provision allowing individuals who were under 25 years old at the time of committing certain misdemeanors or felonies to petition the court for an order of nondisclosure of their criminal history record information. The bill specifically applies to individuals who have completed their entire sentence, including confinement, community supervision, and payment of all fines and restitution, and who have not previously received a nondisclosure order for the same offense. The waiting period for filing such a petition differs based on the severity of the offense: two years after sentence completion for misdemeanors and five years for felonies. The bill excludes certain serious offenses listed in the Code of Criminal Procedure. When considering the petition, the court must determine that issuing the nondisclosure order is in the best interest of justice, and if granted, the order would prohibit criminal justice agencies from publicly disclosing the criminal history record information related to the specific offense. This legislation aims to provide a second chance for young offenders by allowing them to potentially seal their criminal records after demonstrating rehabilitation and completing their legal obligations. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Justice

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB3261