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