Texas House Bill HB551

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the authority of a court to return certain fees to a person whose criminal record has been expunged.

Impact

The implementation of HB 551 is expected to have a significant impact on how expunction petitions are processed in Texas. With the new authority granted to courts, individuals who have successfully had their criminal records expunged will have the opportunity to recoup costs associated with their petitions, potentially making the expunction process less daunting and more accessible. This change could encourage more individuals to seek expunction, thereby contributing to their reintegration into the community and reducing the stigma associated with past offenses.

Summary

House Bill 551 seeks to amend the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure to empower courts with the authority to refund certain fees to individuals whose criminal records have been expunged. Specifically, the bill allows a court that grants an expunction petition to order the return of any fee or a portion of a fee related to that petition. This measure is aimed at alleviating some financial burdens that individuals face even after their records have been cleared, enhancing the process of reintegration into society.

Contention

While the bill is largely aimed at promoting fairness in the judicial system, there may be points of contention regarding the implications of refunding fees. Skeptics could view the measure as an unnecessary burden on court resources or as a potential loophole for individuals seeking to exploit the system for financial gain. Additionally, questions might arise about how fees are calculated and distributed, and whether the bill provides sufficient guidelines for courts to follow in determining the appropriateness of fee refunds. The legislation's passage could lead to further discussions on the balance between ensuring judicial efficiency and protecting public funds.