Texas House Bill HB3900

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the eligibility of certain persons for the expunction of arrest records and files.

Impact

This bill is set to impact laws surrounding the criminal justice system significantly by refining the expunction process for arrest records. By allowing more individuals who have been acquitted or who have had their charges dismissed to erase their arrest records, HB3900 aims to reduce the long-term consequences of having an arrest record. This aligns with broader goals of criminal justice reform, emphasizing rehabilitation and the reduction of systemic barriers faced by individuals with prior arrests in areas such as employment and housing.

Summary

House Bill 3900 addresses the eligibility of certain individuals for the expunction of arrest records and files. This legislation proposes amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure in Texas, outlining specific criteria under which individuals can have their arrest records expunged. The bill sets conditions related to the outcome of trials and the time elapsed since the arrest, ensuring that individuals who are acquitted or pardoned have pathways to clear their records, thereby promoting their reintegration into society.

Contention

Notably, some points of contention could arise from the stipulations concerning the time that must elapse before an individual can petition for expunction. Critics may argue that the timelines set in the bill, which vary by the class of offense, may either be too lenient or too stringent, affecting different groups differently. Furthermore, advocates for victims of crimes may express concerns over the balance between facilitating rehabilitation for those with arrest records and ensuring that the rights and feelings of victims are appropriately regarded.