The bill, S.B. No. 1667, amends various articles of the Code of Criminal Procedure to streamline the expunction process for arrest records and files. Key changes include the addition of new requirements for individuals seeking expunction, such as providing specific information in their petitions, including their full name, date of birth, and details about the arrest. The bill also mandates that district clerks maintain a list of relevant agencies and their contact information on their websites, ensuring that petitioners can easily access this information. Furthermore, it establishes that the court must set a hearing on expunction petitions no earlier than 30 days after filing and outlines the notification process for involved agencies.
Additionally, the bill introduces a fee structure for the electronic transmission of petitions and notices, charging $25 for each agency that cannot receive electronic communications. It also clarifies that the clerk of the court is not responsible for ensuring the completeness of the agency list in petitions. The bill repeals certain provisions related to expunction and specifies that the new amendments will apply only to petitions filed after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the efficiency and clarity of the expunction process in Texas.