The "box" asking about a criminal conviction is one most of us mindlessly check on employment applications. But for many otherwise employable adults, it's the biggest barrier to moving forward with productive lives.

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In the spring of 2013, the Texas Legislature passed a law that was hailed as the first of its kind in the country. The law expressly allows the state’s Court of Criminal Appeals to grant a new trial in cases where the underlying forensic science is flawed.

Read the rest of this article at The Texas Tribune.

The Texas Criminal Justice Coalition worked closely with lawmakers and coalition partners to pass important criminal and youth justice reforms this legislative session, some of which are featured below.  These reforms will improve public safety in Texas communities and bring long-term cost savings to taxpayers. 

Read the rest of this press release here.

Policy Background:

When granted and executed, an order of nondisclosure will seal a defendant’s record, preventing criminal justice agencies (like courts and police departments) from disclosing to private entities or individuals any criminal history record information related to the offense.