House Bill No. 3861 amends the Code of Criminal Procedure regarding the dismissal of certain traffic offenses through the completion of driving safety or motorcycle operator training courses. The bill allows defendants to request dismissal for multiple offenses arising from the same criminal transaction, provided they complete one course and meet specific eligibility criteria. Notably, the bill introduces new provisions that permit defendants to submit their course requests via certified mail or through a court-designated email or internet portal, enhancing accessibility. Additionally, it clarifies that each eligible charge can be dismissed upon successful completion of the course, rather than limiting the dismissal to one charge per course.
The bill also establishes a reimbursement fee of up to $10 for defendants requesting a driving safety or motorcycle operator training course, which is intended to cover administrative costs. If a defendant is seeking dismissal for multiple offenses from the same incident, they may be required to pay a separate reimbursement fee for each eligible offense. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will apply to requests made on or after that date, regardless of when the offenses occurred.