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Bill

HB 2617

Relating to the procedures for the expunction of arrest records and files for certain persons.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Rafael Anchía and 2 co-sponsors

HB 2617 expands procedures allowing Texans to expunge arrest records, removing barriers to employment and housing for individuals with dismissed charges or acquittals.

Placed on General State Calendar
#criminalrecords(s0008) #courts--county&statutory(i0115) #courts--district(i0120) #courts--prosecutingattorneys(i0165) #criminalprocedure--bail&pretrialrelease(i0202) #criminalprocedure--general(i0208) #expunctionofrecords(s0189) #stateprosecutingattorney(v0002)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2617

Legislative bill overview

HB 2617 modifies Texas procedures allowing individuals to have arrest records expunged (deleted/sealed) in certain circumstances. The bill streamlines or expands the conditions under which people can request removal of their arrest records from public access, potentially including cases that were dismissed, resulted in acquittals, or met other specified criteria.

Why is this important

Arrest records can severely impact employment, housing, and professional licensing opportunities even when charges are dropped or defendants are acquitted. Expanding expunction eligibility helps individuals clear their records and reduce barriers to reentry, while also addressing concerns about how arrest histories affect employment discrimination and economic mobility.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of eligibility: Disagreement over which types of cases qualify (dismissed charges only vs. broader categories like deferred adjudication or certain misdemeanors)
  • Law enforcement access: Debate between privacy advocates and law enforcement agencies about whether police should retain access to expunged records for background checks and criminal investigations
  • Timeline and costs: Questions about processing delays and whether applicants must pay fees that could burden low-income Texans seeking to expunge records

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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