By BJ Austin, KERA News
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-992572.mp3
Dallas, TX – Texans decide ten constitutional amendments at the polls Tuesday. Proposition 9 would allow the Governor to pardon someone who has successfully completed a "deferred adjudication". That's a plea agreement that includes probation and community service.
Dallas State Senator Royce West says current law only allows the Governor to issue a pardon when there has been a "conviction." He says that's not fair. A deferred adjudication currently stays on someone's record forever. And, the Senator says that can cause serious problems.
West: Sometimes if an individual has a deferred adjudication, they can't get an apartment. And it may very well be the deciding factor as to whether an employer will hire you or not hire you because of the matter that you have on your criminal record.
Senator West says Prop 9 does not guarantee a pardon. But, it allows the opportunity to clear one's record IF all the court-ordered requirements were met.
You can find information on all 10 of the Constitutional amendments on the ballot at KERA.org/votersvoice