Bill > HB651

This bill abolishes the death penalty in Texas by making comprehensive changes to the state's criminal code. The legislation removes all references to capital punishment, replacing death sentences with mandatory life imprisonment without parole for defendants 18 and older, and life imprisonment for those under 18 at the time of their offense. The bill modifies numerous sections of the criminal procedure code, including jury selection processes, sentencing guidelines, and judicial documentation requirements to eliminate death penalty-related language. Key changes include removing special provisions for capital cases, such as alternate juror selections and specific jury questioning procedures, and updating statutes to reflect the new sentencing standards. The bill will apply to all criminal actions pending, on appeal, or commenced on or after its effective date, regardless of when the underlying offense occurred, though it does not affect final convictions that already exist. The legislation will take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote in the Texas legislature, or on September 1, 2025, if it does not receive the necessary immediate-effect voting threshold.

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https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB651