86R10755 ADM-D
By: Bowers H.B. No. 2027
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to information given to a child and the child's parent,
guardian, or custodian regarding the sealing of juvenile records.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 58.262, Family Code, is amended by
amending Subsections (a) and (b) and adding Subsections (a-1),
(b-1), and (e) to read as follows:
(a) When a child is referred to the juvenile probation
department, an employee of the juvenile probation department shall
give the child and the child's parent, guardian, or custodian:
(1) a written explanation describing the process of
sealing records under this subchapter and a copy of this
subchapter; and
(2) a list of local resources that may assist the child
in applying to have the child's records sealed, including attorneys
who, at low or no cost, represent persons in applying for the
sealing of juvenile records.
(a-1) At the time an employee of the juvenile probation
department gives a written explanation under Subsection (a), the
employee shall additionally provide an oral explanation of the
process of sealing records to the child and the child's parent,
guardian, or custodian and allow any of those persons to ask
questions regarding the process.
(b) On the final discharge of a child, or on the last
official action in the matter if there is no adjudication, a
probation officer or official at the Texas Juvenile Justice
Department, as appropriate, shall give the child and the child's
parent, guardian, or custodian:
(1) a written explanation regarding the eligibility of
the child's records for sealing under this subchapter and a copy of
this subchapter; and
(2) a list of local resources that may assist the child
in applying to have the child's records sealed, including attorneys
who, at low or no cost, represent persons in applying for the
sealing of juvenile records.
(b-1) At the time a probation officer or official at the
Texas Juvenile Justice Department gives a written explanation under
Subsection (b), the officer or official shall additionally provide
an oral explanation of the eligibility of the child's records for
sealing to the child and the child's parent, guardian, or custodian
and allow any of those persons to ask questions regarding the
child's eligibility and the process of having records sealed.
(e) The Texas Juvenile Justice Department shall publish on
the department's Internet website a brochure that describes the
process of sealing records under this subchapter and that lists
resources that may assist a child in applying to seal the child's
records.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2019.