87R5919 ADM-D
 
  By: A. Johnson of Harris H.B. No. 1401
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to methods to send applications and orders for sealing
  juvenile records.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Section 58.256, Family Code, is amended by
  adding Subsection (a-1) to read as follows:
         (a-1)  An application filed under this section may be sent to
  the juvenile court by any reasonable method, including secure
  electronic means.
         SECTION 2.  Section 58.258(c), Family Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         (c)  On entry of the order, all adjudications relating to the
  person are vacated and the proceedings are dismissed and treated
  for all purposes as though the proceedings had never occurred.  The
  clerk of court shall:
               (1)  seal all court records relating to the
  proceedings, including any records created in the clerk's case
  management system; and
               (2)  send copies of the order to all entities listed in
  the order by any reasonable method, including certified mail,
  regular mail, secure electronic means, or e-mail.
         SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.