Bill Caption

Relating to the rights of certain defendants who successfully complete a term of community supervision.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend the Code of Criminal Procedure to provide that if a judge discharges a defendant after successful completion of a term of community supervision, then the setting aside of the verdict or permission of the defendant to withdraw the plea and dismissal of the complaint or indictment against the defendant must occur no later than 30 days after the defendant is discharged from community supervision. If the verdict is set aside, the defendant may not be denied an occupational license or be subject to other disciplinary action that would have been associated with the conviction.

Based on the analysis of the Office of Court Administration, State Office of Administrative Hearings, Department of Licensing and Regulation, Health and Human Services Commission, Department of State Health Services,and Department of Aging and Disability Services, duties and responsibilities associated with implementing the provisions of the bill could be accomplished by utilizing existing resources.

Bill Analysis

The description in the fiscal note above adequately and accurately describes HB 1503.

Vote Recommendation Notes

This bill would help people who have successfully completed community supervision to move on with their lives and not continue to be punished for crimes for which they have already paid their debt to society. Due to the prevalence of background check requirements, including for occupational licensure, even a minor criminal record can have long lasting adverse impacts for an individual's social and economic prospects. This bill supports individual liberty, personal responsibility, and limited government. We support HB 1503.