The Legislative Budget Board (LBB) for SB 958 concludes that there is no significant fiscal implication to the state or local governments. The bill expands eligibility for orders of nondisclosure for certain misdemeanor offenses committed by individuals who were victims of human trafficking or compelling prostitution. However, the nature and scope of this expansion are not expected to generate costs that would meaningfully affect state revenues or appropriations.

The Office of Court Administration anticipates that any additional workload resulting from the increased number of eligible nondisclosure petitions would be absorbable within existing resources. This suggests that the volume of new petitions expected under the bill is not projected to overwhelm the courts or require additional staff or infrastructure investments.

Furthermore, the bill is not expected to significantly impact state correctional populations or the demand for correctional resources. Since the bill does not alter criminal penalties or create new offenses but rather provides post-conviction relief options, it has no bearing on sentencing or incarceration rates. The same applies to local governments, which are not expected to incur notable costs from implementing the bill’s provisions.

Overall, SB 958 is a low-cost reform measure with meaningful benefits for victims of trafficking, allowing for relief from criminal records without placing a financial burden on the state or its localities.

SB 958 presents a meaningful and narrowly tailored reform that advances individual liberty and personal responsibility while maintaining judicial oversight and safeguarding the public interest. The bill expands the scope of existing nondisclosure statutes for victims of human trafficking and compelling prostitution by broadening the list of misdemeanor offenses eligible for sealing. These offenses—including drug-related misdemeanors, forgery of government documents, and public intoxication—are commonly committed under coercion by traffickers. By expanding eligibility, the bill offers a realistic pathway for survivors to rebuild their lives.

Critically, the committee substitute maintains the integrity of the sealing process. It requires survivors to still prove to a court that their criminal conduct was directly linked to their status as a trafficking victim. Thus, the burden of proof remains appropriately high, ensuring that the provision is not misused. At the same time, the bill removes a broader clause—"in connection with being a victim"—to maintain a tighter nexus between the offense and the trafficking itself, responding to concerns about potential overreach.

From a fiscal standpoint, the Legislative Budget Board determined that SB 958 has no significant fiscal impact on the state or local governments. It neither expands government powers nor creates new regulatory burdens. Instead, it leverages existing judicial procedures to enhance justice for a vulnerable population without cost escalation.

Overall, SB 958 upholds the principles of limited government and individual dignity. It corrects a gap in the law that unintentionally punishes trafficking survivors for crimes committed under coercion, enabling their successful reintegration into society through employment and housing access. As such, Texas Policy Research recommends that lawmakers vote YES on SB 958.