Texas House Bill HB257

Texas 2017 - 85th 1st C.S.

Caption

Relating to judicial proceedings on a petition to set aside a conviction or an order of expunction of criminal history record information for certain victims of trafficking of persons or compelling prostitution who are convicted of prostitution.

Impact

If enacted, HB257 would establish a structured legal process for victims of trafficking or compelling prostitution to clear their names and gain expunction of their criminal records. It would lead to amendments in the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, specifically adding provisions that protect victims and provide them with necessary judicial remedies. These changes could significantly impact how the legal system addresses prostitution-related offenses, seeking to balance justice for the victims while still maintaining legal accountability.

Summary

House Bill 257 relates to judicial proceedings on petitions to set aside convictions or expunge criminal history records for certain victims of human trafficking or compelling prostitution who were convicted of prostitution. The bill enables individuals who can substantiate their claims of being victims of such offenses to petition the court to dismiss their convictions. This initiative aims to provide relief to victims who were forced into prostitution, ensuring they are not penalized for acts they committed as a result of their victimization.

Contention

A notable point of contention around HB257 lies in the balance it attempts to strike between victim advocacy and concerns regarding its potential misuse. Some stakeholders may apprehensively view this as an opportunity for individuals to evade accountability, questioning the conditions under which a court would grant such petitions. Conversely, advocates argue that the bill is essential for helping genuine victims who have faced exploitation and deserve a chance for rehabilitation and reintegration into society without the stigma of a prostitution conviction.