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Relating to the eligibility of certain criminal defendants for an order of nondisclosure of criminal history record information.
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
SB 550 would enable a person who was convicted and placed on community supervision to petition the court that placed them on community supervision for an order of nondisclosure of criminal history record information under this section only after: (1) the conviction is set aside, if the offense for which the person was placed on community supervision was a misdemeanor; or (2) the fifth anniversary of the date the conviction is set aside, if the offense for which the person was placed on community supervision was a felony.
Texas Action supports SB 550 because it advances the principles of limited government, personal responsibility and the free market. This bill allows individuals who complete their community supervision to have the offense taken off their record 5 years later. Once they have taken responsibility for their actions and served their punishment they should not be continued to be punished because of the mark on their record. Giving offenders the opportunity to have their record expunged will make their full participation in the economy easier as well since gaining employment will be easier without a criminal record.