Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB394

Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the expunction of arrest records and files for certain defendants placed on deferred adjudication community supervision for the unlawful carrying of a handgun.

Impact

The implications of SB394 are significant for affected individuals, as it aims to reduce the lifelong consequences associated with a criminal record for minor offenses. By enabling the expungement of such records, the bill promotes fairness and reinforces principles of rehabilitation. This change could potentially increase employment opportunities, housing options, and overall reintegration into society for those who have committed non-violent offenses in the past.

Summary

SB394 addresses the expunction of arrest records and files specifically for individuals who have been placed on deferred adjudication community supervision for the unlawful carrying of a handgun. This bill provides a pathway for these individuals to have their arrest records cleared, thereby allowing them a fresh start after completing their community supervision. The expunction becomes available if the offense occurred before September 1, 2021, and the individual was either tried and convicted or placed on deferred adjudication for the offense.

Contention

Discussions regarding SB394 may include some level of contention surrounding the broader implications of gun-related offenses and their expunction. Supporters of the bill argue that it addresses reformation within the criminal justice system and promotes a forgiving approach for first-time offenders. However, critics might express concern that allowing expunction in cases involving guns may minimize the severity of such offenses, sparking a debate over public safety and responsible gun ownership.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Code Of Criminal Procedure

  • Chapter 55. Expunction Of Criminal Records
    • Section: New Section

Penal Code

  • Chapter 46. Weapons
    • Section: 02

Companion Bills

TX HB2066

Identical Relating to the expunction of arrest records and files for certain defendants placed on deferred adjudication community supervision for the unlawful carrying of a handgun.

Previously Filed As

TX HB175

Relating to the expunction of arrest records and files for certain defendants placed on deferred adjudication community supervision for the unlawful carrying of a handgun.

TX HB361

Relating to the placement on community supervision, including deferred adjudication community supervision, of a defendant who is the primary caretaker of a child.

TX HB2193

Relating to the automatic expunction of all records and files related to arrests for certain misdemeanor offenses.

TX SB84

Relating to the expunction of all records and files related to arrests for certain decriminalized misdemeanor offenses.

TX HB394

Relating to the expunction of all records and files related to arrests for certain decriminalized misdemeanor offenses.

TX HB1715

Relating to the expunction of arrest records and files relating to certain nonviolent misdemeanor offenses.

TX HB1737

Relating to automatic orders of nondisclosure of criminal history record information for certain misdemeanor defendants following successful completion of a period of deferred adjudication community supervision.

TX SB499

Relating to automatic orders of nondisclosure of criminal history record information for certain misdemeanor defendants following successful completion of a period of deferred adjudication community supervision.

TX HB399

Relating to orders of nondisclosure of criminal history record information for certain misdemeanor defendants following successful completion of a period of deferred adjudication community supervision.

TX HB392

Relating to the date on which certain persons placed on deferred adjudication community supervision are eligible to file a petition for an order of nondisclosure of criminal history record information.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.