TITLE: Relating to jury instructions regarding parole eligibility for certain felony offenses that are not eligible for parole.

SUMMARY: Relating to jury instructions regarding parole eligibility for certain felony offenses that are not eligible for parole.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to jury instructions regarding parole eligibility for certain felony offenses that are not eligible for parole. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 4, Article 37.07, Code of Criminal Procedure, is amended by adding Subsection (c-1) to read as follows: (c-1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, in the penalty phase of the trial of a felony case in which the punishment is to be assessed by the jury for an offense described by Section 508.145(a)(1), (2), (3), or (4), Government Code, the court shall charge the jury in writing as follows: "Under the law applicable in this case, if the defendant is sentenced to a term of imprisonment, the length of time for which a defendant is imprisoned may not be reduced by the award of parole." SECTION 2. Section 4(c-1), Article 37.07, Code of Criminal Procedure, as added by this Act, applies to a defendant sentenced for an offense on or after the effective date of this Act, regardless of when the offense was committed. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.