Bill Caption

Fiscal Notes

Bill Analysis

Summary: Under current law, an individual convicted of a federal crime or a crime outside of the United States can apply to restore certain civil rights lost on conviction once the sentence has been completed. However, this does not apply to individuals convicted under Texas laws. HB 439 allows individuals convicted under Texas law, excluding offenses related to drugs or requiring registration as a sex offender, to apply for a restoration of civil rights such as jury duty or holding public office once a sentence is completed.

Analysis: This bill corrects an odd measure in current code. Once a sentence is completed, an individual should be considered to have paid the debt and allowed to reintegrate into society. TPPA agrees that civil rights should be restored after a sentence has been completed. We support HB 439.