H.B. No. 1821 aims to enhance the process of sealing juvenile records by amending the Family Code to ensure that children and their guardians receive comprehensive information about the sealing process. The bill mandates that juvenile probation department employees provide both written and oral explanations regarding the sealing of records, including a list of local resources and attorneys who can assist in the process at low or no cost. Additionally, the Texas Juvenile Justice Department is required to publish a brochure on its website detailing the sealing process and available resources.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a new section that requires the State Bar of Texas to create and maintain an online directory of attorneys who offer low or no-cost representation for individuals seeking to seal juvenile records. This directory will categorize attorneys by the administrative judicial regions of Texas and will be accessible to the public on the State Bar's website. The provisions of this act are set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Family Code 58.262 (Family Code 58)