Text of article effective on January 01, 2025

Art. 55A.302. RETENTION OF CERTAIN RECORDS AFTER EXPUNCTION. (a) If the state establishes that the person who is the subject of an expunction order is still subject to conviction for an offense arising out of the transaction for which the person was arrested because the limitations period has not expired and there is reasonable cause to believe that the state may proceed against the person for the offense, the court may provide in the order that the law enforcement agency and the attorney representing the state responsible for investigating the offense retain any records and files that are necessary to the investigation.

(b) In the case of a person who is the subject of an expunction order on the basis of an acquittal, the court may provide in the expunction order that the law enforcement agency and the attorney representing the state retain records and files if:

(1) the records and files are necessary to conduct a subsequent investigation and prosecution of a person other than the person who is the subject of the expunction order; or

(2) the state establishes that the records and files are necessary for use in:

(A) another criminal case, including a prosecution, motion to adjudicate or revoke community supervision, parole revocation hearing, mandatory supervision revocation hearing, punishment hearing, or bond hearing; or

(B) a civil case, including a civil suit or suit for possession of or access to a child.

(c) The court shall provide in the expunction order that the applicable law enforcement agency and attorney representing the state may retain the arrest records and files of any person who becomes entitled to an expunction of those records and files based on the expiration of a period described by Article 55A.052(a)(1), (2), or (3), but without the certification of the attorney representing the state as described by Article 55A.052(a)(4).

(d) Articles 55A.401 and 55A.402 apply to records and files retained under this article unless:

(1) the person who is the subject of the expunction order is again arrested for or charged with an offense arising out of the transaction for which the person was arrested; or

(2) the court provides for the retention of records and files under Subsection (b) or (c).

Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 765 (H.B. 4504), Sec. 1.001, eff. January 1, 2025.