Texas Senate Bill SB2075

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 5/4/09

Caption

Relating to the consequences of successfully completing a term of deferred adjudication community supervision with respect to the expunction or use of certain criminal history records and files.

Impact

The bill's provisions significantly alter the legal landscape for individuals seeking to clear their criminal histories. Under SB2075, an order of community supervision that has resulted in a discharge and dismissal will not be considered a conviction and cannot affect an individual's ability to obtain professional licenses or certifications. This represents a substantial shift away from the traditional views of community supervision and has the potential to alleviate the lifelong consequences that can accompany a criminal record.

Summary

SB2075, known as the Community Supervision and Expunction Reform Act, aims to amend the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure regarding the impact of successfully completing a term of deferred adjudication community supervision. The bill stipulates that individuals who have completed such supervision will not have their records deemed convictions for any purposes. This change is intended to facilitate the expunction of criminal records for offenders who fulfill their community supervision requirements, thus promoting rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

Contention

Despite the positive aspects of the bill, there may be notable points of contention. Opponents could argue that while the bill promotes rehabilitation, it might also raise concerns regarding the eligibility of individuals for expunctions. Furthermore, the specific timelines for expunction eligibility depending on the severity of offenses could be contentious, as advocates for victims may feel that serious offenses should retain harder restraints in terms of public transparency around criminal history.

Additional_comments

Moreover, the implications of this reform could lead to further discussions about community supervision policies and the overall approach to handling criminal records in Texas. The legislation signifies a movement towards more progressive criminal justice policies that recognize the potential for rehabilitation rather than lifelong punishment for offenses, though the practical effects of these reforms will need to be monitored over time.