HB 2447
AN ACT relating to the eligibility of criminal defendants for an order of
89th Regular Session
Jan 14, 2025 - Jun 2, 2025 • Session ended
Awaiting Committee Assignment
Bill filed, pending referral to House committee
Committee
Not yet assigned
Fiscal Note
Not available
What This Bill Does
Allows individuals who committed a non-first-degree felony before age 25 to petition for a nondisclosure order after successfully completing their full sentence and waiting 15 years. The law provides an opportunity for youthful offenders to seal their criminal record from public view, potentially helping them overcome barriers to employment, housing, and education. Eligible individuals must have no prior felony convictions and must demonstrate that sealing their record serves the interests of justice.
Subject Areas
Bill Text
relating to the eligibility of criminal defendants for an order of nondisclosure of criminal history record information for certain offenses committed when younger than 25 years of age. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter E-1, Government Code, is amended by adding Section 411.0739 to read as follows: Sec. 411.0739. PROCEDURE FOR CONVICTION FOLLOWING SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF SENTENCE; CERTAIN OFFENSES COMMITTED BY YOUTHFUL OFFENDERS. (a) This section applies only to a person who: (1) is convicted of a felony offense, other than an offense punishable as a felony of the first degree, that was committed when the person was younger than 25 years of age; and (2) is not eligible for an order of nondisclosure of criminal history record information under Section 411.0725. (b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subchapter or Subchapter F, a person described by Subsection (a) who completes the person's sentence, including any term of confinement or period of community supervision imposed and payment of all fines, costs, and restitution imposed, may petition the court that imposed the sentence for an order of nondisclosure of criminal history record information under this section if the person: (1) satisfies the requirements of this section and (2) has never been previously convicted of or placed on deferred adjudication community supervision for another felony (c) After notice to the state, an opportunity for a hearing, and a determination that the person is entitled to file the petition and issuance of the order is in the best interest of justice, the court shall issue an order prohibiting criminal justice agencies from disclosing to the public criminal history record information related to the offense for which the person was convicted. (d) A person may petition the court that imposed the sentence for an order of nondisclosure of criminal history record information under this section only on or after the 15th anniversary of the date of completion of the person's sentence. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.
Bill History
Bill filed: AN ACT relating to the eligibility of criminal defendants for an order of
Related Guides
Learn more about tracking Texas legislation and working with lobbyists.
How to Read & Track Texas Bills
Master bill numbering, understand legislative language, and learn effective tracking strategies.
Understanding Texas Legislative Deadlines
Navigate the 140-day session with critical calendar dates and filing deadlines.
How Laws Get Made in Texas
Follow a bill's journey from filing to the governor's desk through committees and floor votes.
When Should Your Business Hire a Lobbyist?
Discover the signs that your business needs professional advocacy at the Texas Capitol.