Relating to the automatic expunction of arrest records and files for certain public safety employees who successfully complete a public safety employees treatment court program.
Impact
This legislation is expected to have a significant impact on state laws regarding the treatment of arrest records, particularly for public safety personnel. By introducing automatic expunction for those who have rehabilitated through treatment courts, HB 1405 aims to reduce the negative stigma associated with arrest records in the public safety sector. This change not only benefits individual employees by improving their chances for career advancement but also supports broader community trust in public safety roles by indicating a commitment to rehabilitation and accountability within the profession.
Summary
House Bill 1405 aims to streamline the process for expunging arrest records for public safety employees who have successfully completed a treatment court program. Specifically, the bill amends existing laws within the Code of Criminal Procedure to allow for automatic expunction under certain conditions, thereby enhancing the ability of public safety personnel to clear their names after successful rehabilitation. The bill outlines clear eligibility criteria for expunction, such as the completion of a public safety treatment court program and the absence of prior expunctions, ensuring that the process is fair and straightforward for those eligible.
Sentiment
The sentiment around HB 1405 appears to be largely positive, particularly among advocates for criminal justice reform and public safety employee groups. Supporters emphasize the bill's potential to facilitate reintegration for individuals who have shown a commitment to reform through successful completion of treatment programs. However, there may be concerns from some sectors regarding how these changes could impact the perceptions of accountability and transparency in law enforcement, particularly in cases of serious offenses.
Contention
While there is general support for the idea of expunging arrest records for rehabilitated individuals, critiques of HB 1405 could arise surrounding the criteria for eligibility and whether the expunction process, even when automatic, meets adequate standards for transparency and public accountability. Opponents may argue that even public safety personnel should face greater scrutiny in the light of their responsibilities. This bill thus navigates the delicate balance between supporting second chances for individuals and maintaining trust within law enforcement and public safety sectors.
Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected
Code Of Criminal Procedure
Chapter 55. Expunction Of Criminal Records
Section: New Section
Chapter 102. Costs, Fees, And Fines Paid By Defendants
Section: New Section
Government Code
Chapter 129. Public Safety Employees Treatment Court Program
Identical
Relating to the automatic expunction of arrest records and files for certain public safety employees who successfully complete a public safety employees treatment court program.
Relating to the automatic expunction of arrest records and files for certain public safety employees who successfully complete a public safety employees treatment court program.
Relating to the automatic expunction of arrest records and files for certain public safety employees who successfully complete a public safety employees treatment court program.
Relating to the automatic expunction of arrest records and files for certain public safety employees who successfully complete a public safety employees treatment court program.
Relating to the automatic expunction of arrest records and files for certain veterans who successfully complete a veterans court pretrial intervention program.
Relating to the automatic expunction of arrest records and files for certain veterans who successfully complete a veterans court pretrial intervention program.
Relating to the administration of and eligibility for participation in a veterans court program and the automatic expunction of arrest records and files for certain veterans who successfully complete that program; imposing a court cost on conviction to benefit veterans court programs; changing a fee.
Relating to the administration of veterans treatment court programs, the expunction of arrest records and files for certain participants who successfully complete a program, and the issuance of orders of nondisclosure for participants convicted of a misdemeanor; changing a fee.
Relating to the redesignation of veterans court programs as veterans treatment court programs, the administration of those programs, the expunction of arrest records and files for certain participants who successfully complete a program, and the issuance of orders of nondisclosure for participants convicted of a misdemeanor; changing a fee.
A bill for an act establishing a veterans recovery pilot program and fund for the reimbursement of expenses related to providing hyperbaric oxygen treatment to eligible veterans.(See HF 574.)