Bill > HB5550

This bill modifies the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure to expand the role of juries in criminal cases, giving them greater discretion in interpreting and applying the law. Specifically, the bill allows jurors to determine that a defendant is technically guilty according to the law, but can choose to find the defendant not guilty or guilty of a lesser offense if they believe the law is unjust or unjustly applied. The bill guarantees a defendant's right to inform the jury about their power to judge the law and vote according to their conscience, and it prohibits the court or prosecution from interfering with this right. The bill also mandates that courts allow defendants to present evidence and testimony relevant to the jury's considerations, including the law's merit, the defendant's motives, degree of guilt, and potential punishment. Additionally, the bill prevents potential jurors from being excused from jury duty solely because they express willingness to exercise their expanded judicial powers. The changes will apply only to juries empaneled on or after September 1, 2025, and represent a significant shift in allowing jury nullification, a legal concept where juries can effectively override laws they consider unjust.

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https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB5550