Bill > HB2237

This bill proposes to abolish the death penalty in Texas by removing all references to capital punishment from the state's criminal code. The legislation would modify the sentencing guidelines for capital felonies, replacing the previous option of death or life imprisonment with mandatory life sentences based on the defendant's age at the time of the offense: life imprisonment for offenders under 18, and life without parole for offenders 18 and older. The bill eliminates numerous existing provisions related to death penalty proceedings, including special jury selection procedures, challenge rules, and sentencing guidelines specific to capital cases. It also updates various sections of the criminal procedure code to remove death penalty-related language, such as jury instructions, peremptory challenges, and judgment documentation requirements. The changes would apply to all criminal actions pending or commenced on or after the bill's effective date, regardless of when the original offense was committed, though the bill does not affect existing final convictions. The legislation would take immediate effect if it receives a two-thirds vote in both legislative chambers; otherwise, it will become law on September 1, 2025.

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https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB2237