SB 245: Criminal procedure.

The bill aims to amend the penal code to allow defendants who have participated in specific programs to have their pleading dismissed, releasing them from penalties and disabilities of conviction. The court is no longer required to provide a copy of the petition to the department or a county authority upon release. Upon release, the department or a county authority must certify to the court that the individual successfully participated in one of the programs. This certification must be provided to the defendant. The bill also prohibits individuals with dismissed pleas from being denied emergency medical technician certification or other licenses based solely on their arrest or conviction history. The bill imposes a state-mandated local program by requiring additional reporting from county authorities. If the commission on state mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated b…