Honorable Harold V. Dutton, Jr., Chair, House Committee on Juvenile Justice & Family Issues
FROM:
John McGeady, Assistant Director Sarah Keyton, Assistant Director Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB2027 by Bowers (relating to information regarding the procedures and available resources for the sealing of juvenile records.), Committee Report 1st House, Substituted
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would require the Texas Juvenile Justice Department and probation departments to provide a list of local resources and attorneys who represent children applying to get their records sealed at low or no cost, as well as to provide an oral explanation of the sealing process and answer questions. It also requires the agency to publish a brochure describing the sealing process and that lists resources.
The committee substitute adds a new section to Family Code Chapter 58 requiring the State Bar of Texas to create and maintain, on its internet website, a directory of Texas attorneys available in each administrative judicial region who at low or no cost represent persons in applying to have records sealed.
The Office of Court Administration and Juvenile Justice Department estimates there would be a minimal cost associated with implementing the provisions of the bill.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.
Source Agencies:
212 Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council, 644 Juvenile Justice Department