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AN ACT
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relating to methods to send applications and orders for sealing |
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juvenile records. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Section 58.256, Family Code, is amended by |
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adding Subsection (a-1) to read as follows: |
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(a-1) An application filed under this section may be sent to |
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the juvenile court by any reasonable method authorized under Rule |
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21, Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, including secure electronic |
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means. |
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SECTION 2. Section 58.258(c), Family Code, is amended to |
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read as follows: |
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(c) On entry of the order, all adjudications relating to the |
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person are vacated and the proceedings are dismissed and treated |
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for all purposes as though the proceedings had never occurred. The |
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clerk of court shall: |
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(1) seal all court records relating to the |
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proceedings, including any records created in the clerk's case |
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management system; and |
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(2) send copies of the order to all entities listed in |
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the order by any reasonable method, including certified mail or |
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secure electronic means[, regular mail, or e-mail]. |
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SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021. |
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______________________________ |
______________________________ |
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President of the Senate |
Speaker of the House |
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I certify that H.B. No. 1401 was passed by the House on April |
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1, 2021, by the following vote: Yeas 148, Nays 0, 1 present, not |
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voting. |
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______________________________ |
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Chief Clerk of the House |
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I certify that H.B. No. 1401 was passed by the Senate on May |
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19, 2021, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0. |
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______________________________ |
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Secretary of the Senate |
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APPROVED: _____________________ |
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Date |
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_____________________ |
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Governor |