Bill

HB 3069

85(R) - 2017
House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence
Senate Criminal Justice
House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence
Senate Criminal Justice
Courts
Criminal Procedure
Military
Veterans

Vote Recommendation

Yes
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Positive
  • Positive

Author(s)

James White

Sponsor(s)

Donna Campbell

Bill Caption

Relating to the administration of and eligibility for participation in a veterans treatment court program and the issuance of orders of nondisclosure for certain participants who successfully complete that program.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the state is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

Under current law, if a defendant successfully completes a veterans treatment court program, the court in which the criminal case is pending must dismiss the case against the defendant.

HB 3069 would dismiss the case if a defendant who was arrested for or charged with, but not convicted of or placed on deferred adjudication community supervision for, an offense successfully completes a veterans treatment court program. Next, defendants who have not been convicted of certain crimes and successfully complete the program would be permitted to petition the court for an order of no disclosure, and the court would be required to grant the request in certain circumstances. Finally, a court would be required to issue an order prohibiting criminal justice agencies from disclosing to the public criminal history record information related to the offense for which the person entered the program. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

Allowing for cases to be dismissed and orders of nondisclosure to be granted in cases such as these uplifts individual liberty and limited government. We support HB 3069.

Organizations Supporting

Mental Health America of Texas
Texas Public Policy Foundation