Bill Text: TX HB2669 | 2021-2022 | 87th Legislature | Enrolled

---

Bill Title: Relating to the confidentiality of a child's criminal records related to certain misdemeanor offenses.

Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill

Status: (Passed) 2021-06-07 - Effective on 9/1/21 [HB2669 Detail]

Download: Texas-2021-HB2669-Enrolled.html

---

H.B. No. 2669

AN ACT
relating to the confidentiality of a child's criminal records
related to certain misdemeanor offenses.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Article 44.2811, Code of Criminal Procedure, as
amended by Chapters 1257 (H.B. 528), 1319 (S.B. 394), and 1407 (S.B.
393), Acts of the 83rd Legislature, Regular Session, 2013, is
reenacted and amended to read as follows:
Art. 44.2811. RECORDS RELATING TO CERTAIN [OR RECEIVING
DEFERRED DISPOSITION FOR] FINE-ONLY MISDEMEANORS COMMITTED BY A
CHILD. All records and files and information stored by electronic
means or otherwise, from which a record or file could be generated,
relating to a criminal case for a fine-only misdemeanor, other than
a traffic offense, that is committed by a child and that is appealed
are confidential and may not be disclosed to the public except as
provided under Article 45.0217(b). [(a) This article applies only
to a misdemeanor offense punishable by fine only, other than a
traffic offense.
[(b) All records and files and information stored by
electronic means or otherwise, from which a record or file could be
generated, relating to a child who is convicted of and has satisfied
the judgment for or who has received a dismissal after deferral of
disposition for an offense described by Subsection (a) are
confidential and may not be disclosed to the public except as
provided under Article 45.0217(b).]
SECTION 2. Article 45.0217, Code of Criminal Procedure, as
amended by Chapters 1257 (H.B. 528), 1319 (S.B. 394), and 1407 (S.B.
393), Acts of the 83rd Legislature, Regular Session, 2013, is
reenacted and amended to read as follows:
Art. 45.0217. CONFIDENTIAL RECORDS RELATED TO CHARGES
AGAINST OR [THE] CONVICTION OF [OR DEFERRAL OF DISPOSITION FOR] A
CHILD. (a) [This article applies only to a misdemeanor offense
punishable by fine only, other than a traffic offense.
[(a-1)] Except as provided by Article 15.27 and Subsection
(b), all records and files, including those held by law
enforcement, and information stored by electronic means or
otherwise, from which a record or file could be generated, relating
to a child who is charged with, is convicted of, is found not guilty
of, had a charge dismissed for, or is granted deferred disposition
for a fine-only misdemeanor [for or who has received a dismissal
after deferral of disposition for an] offense other than a traffic
offense [described by Subsection (a)] are confidential and may not
be disclosed to the public.
(b) Information subject to Subsection (a) [(a-1)] may be
open to inspection only by:
(1) judges or court staff;
(2) a criminal justice agency for a criminal justice
purpose, as those terms are defined by Section 411.082, Government
Code;
(3) the Department of Public Safety;
(4) an attorney for a party to the proceeding;
(5) the child defendant; or
(6) the defendant's parent, guardian, or managing
conservator.
(c) In this article, "child" has the meaning assigned by
Article 45.058(h).
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.
______________________________ ______________________________
President of the Senate Speaker of the House
I certify that H.B. No. 2669 was passed by the House on April
16, 2021, by the following vote: Yeas 145, Nays 0, 2 present, not
voting.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House
I certify that H.B. No. 2669 was passed by the Senate on May
19, 2021, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
______________________________
Secretary of the Senate
APPROVED: _____________________
Date
_____________________
Governor