Bill > HB1610

This bill relates to a nonsubstantive revision of certain provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure, focusing on reorganizing and updating existing laws related to death investigations, family violence, and other criminal procedure matters. The bill creates several new chapters (5A, 9A, 49A, and 50A) in the Code of Criminal Procedure, consolidating and updating existing provisions with minimal substantive changes. Key provisions include detailed regulations for death inquests conducted by justices of the peace and medical examiners, establishing comprehensive guidelines for investigating deaths, performing autopsies, and handling unidentified bodies. The bill also includes specific provisions about family violence investigations, requiring peace officers to protect potential victims and mandating detailed reporting. Additionally, the bill updates numerous cross-references in various state codes to align with the new chapter numbering and structure. Importantly, the bill explicitly states that it is intended as a codification only, meaning no substantive changes to existing law are intended. The new provisions will take effect on April 1, 2027, and the bill repeals the existing Chapters 5, 9, 49, and 50 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB1610