H.B. No. 1401
 
 
 
 
AN ACT
  relating to methods to send applications and orders for sealing
  juvenile records.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Section 58.256, Family Code, is amended by
  adding Subsection (a-1) to read as follows:
         (a-1)  An application filed under this section may be sent to
  the juvenile court by any reasonable method authorized under Rule
  21, Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, including secure electronic
  means.
         SECTION 2.  Section 58.258(c), Family Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         (c)  On entry of the order, all adjudications relating to the
  person are vacated and the proceedings are dismissed and treated
  for all purposes as though the proceedings had never occurred.  The
  clerk of court shall:
               (1)  seal all court records relating to the
  proceedings, including any records created in the clerk's case
  management system; and
               (2)  send copies of the order to all entities listed in
  the order by any reasonable method, including certified mail or
  secure electronic means[, regular mail, or e-mail].
         SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.
 
 
  ______________________________ ______________________________
     President of the Senate Speaker of the House     
 
 
         I certify that H.B. No. 1401 was passed by the House on April
  1, 2021, by the following vote:  Yeas 148, Nays 0, 1 present, not
  voting.
 
  ______________________________
  Chief Clerk of the House   
 
 
         I certify that H.B. No. 1401 was passed by the Senate on May
  19, 2021, by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.
 
  ______________________________
  Secretary of the Senate    
  APPROVED:  _____________________
                     Date          
   
            _____________________
                   Governor