Bill: HB 3016, 85(R) - 2017
Committee
House Criminal Jurisprudence
2nd Chamber Committee
Senate Criminal Justice
Vote Recommendation
Vote Recommendation |
Economic Freedom |
Property Rights |
Personal Responsibility |
Limited Government |
Individual Liberty |
Yes |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Positive |
Positive |
Author(s)
Senfronia Thompson
Sponsor(s)
Bryan Hughes
Bill Caption
Relating to the eligibility of a criminal defendant for an order of nondisclosure of criminal history record information.
Fiscal Notes
The bill would have a positive, but indeterminate, fiscal impact to the state due to anticipated
increases in civil filing fee revenue associated with an increase in the number of persons filing a
petition for an order of nondisclosure; however, the number of additional petitions for an order
of nondisclosure cannot be determined.
Bill Analysis
This bill would modify and expand eligibility requirements for certain misdemeanors and state jail felonies to qualify for orders of nondisclosure of criminal history information. The bill would expand eligibility to petition for nondisclosure of criminal history information for certain offenses and modify procedures for certain offenses for which nondisclosure is already permissible.
Vote Recommendation Notes
This bill would increase the number of people who are eligible for orders of non-disclosure of criminal history information. A criminal history record can harshly impact the lifetime potential earnings for those who have them. In addition, their ability to find housing and to qualify for occupational licenses are greatly reduced. The economic and social consequences of a criminal record in this modern era are far greater than they were even a generation ago and it is prudent to make sure that we do not leave people with an unintended lifetime penalty that is disproportionate to the offense for which they were convicted. We support orders of nondisclosure for certain crimes, especially nonviolent offenses, because it satisfies our commitment to limited government and individual liberty.
Organizations Supporting
Americans for Prosperity
Koch Companies
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Texas
Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops
Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
Texas Impact
Texas Public Policy Foundation