Bill > HB4544

This bill modifies Section 124.001(b) of the Government Code to expand the circumstances under which a veterans treatment court can help a defendant dismiss and potentially expunge a criminal case. The bill broadens the eligibility for dismissal to include defendants who were arrested for, charged with, convicted of, or placed on deferred adjudication community supervision for any misdemeanor or felony offense. If a defendant successfully completes a veterans treatment court program and the court determines a dismissal is in the best interest of justice, the veterans treatment court must provide dismissal information to the pending criminal court. Depending on whether the trial court is a district court or not, the court can either directly enter an expunction order with the state attorney's consent or forward the necessary information to a district court to enter the expunction order. The bill will take effect on September 1, 2025, and aims to provide more comprehensive support and opportunities for veterans who have encountered the criminal justice system by facilitating case dismissal and potential expunction after completing a treatment program.

Justice

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB4544