Bill: HB 722, 85(R) - 2017

Relating to certain procedures for defendants who successfully complete a period of state jail felony community supervision.

This bill would allow individuals who have been convicted of a state jail felony to submit a motion to amend their record of conviction, after completing two-thirds of their sentence of community supervision. Except for certain serious criminal offenses, a judge could decide to amend the record of conviction from a state jail felony to a Class A misdemeanor. If passed, a defendant who qualifies under this law would have to fulfill the process outlined in this bill and may have the opportunity to have their arrest record amended to reflect that they are not considered to have been convicted of a felony with respect to this case.   

This bill promotes our liberty principle of limited government by allowing judges to amend someone’s arrest record. Having a felony criminal conviction can harshly impact one’s potential for success, specifically for those who are excluded from acquiring occupational licenses. This bill would also uphold our liberty principle of personal responsibility by incentivizing individuals to comply with their community supervision. We support HB 722.