Texas House Bill HB961

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Introduced: 1/27/11
• Out of House Committee: 4/15/11
• Voted on by House: 5/5/11
• Refer: 2/28/11
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/19/11
• Report Pass: 4/13/11
• Voted on by Senate: 5/25/11
• Engrossed: 5/5/11
• Governor Action: 6/17/11
• Refer: 5/9/11
• Report Pass: 5/19/11
• Enrolled: 5/26/11
• Passed: 6/17/11

Caption

Relating to the sealing of and restricting access to juvenile records of adjudications of delinquent conduct or conduct indicating a need for supervision and to the confidentiality of records of certain misdemeanor convictions of a child.

Impact

The implications of HB 961 are significant for juvenile justice in Texas, as it strengthens the confidentiality of juvenile records. This means that young individuals may have a better chance of reintegration into society without the ongoing stigma typically associated with criminal records. By limiting access to sensitive information, the bill aims to reduce the long-term negative impact that a juvenile record can have on a person's educational and employment opportunities, emphasizing a rehabilitative approach rather than punitive measures for children.

Summary

House Bill 961 focuses on enhancing the confidentiality of records related to juvenile delinquency, specifically addressing the sealing and restriction of access to juvenile records of adjudications for delinquent conduct or conduct indicating a need for supervision. It introduces provisions to ensure that records pertaining to children who are convicted solely of fine-only misdemeanors—excluding traffic offenses—are not publicly disclosed, barring specific exceptions that allow access to designated parties such as judges, law enforcement, and attorneys involved in the case. This enhances privacy protections for minors and aligns with rehabilitative goals in the juvenile justice system.

Contention

Despite its benefits, the bill has faced scrutiny and potential contention among lawmakers and interest groups. Some proponents of criminal justice reform argue that while confidentiality is essential, there must be a balance to ensure that necessary information about an individual’s past, particularly related to violent conduct, remains accessible for public safety reasons. Additionally, there may be concerns regarding the implementation and enforcement of the sealing process, particularly on how effectively these privacy protections will be upheld in practice against potential breaches.