The bill, H.B. No. 578, proposes amendments to the sentencing procedures in capital cases under Article 37.071 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. Key changes include clarifying that the jury must consider all evidence from both the guilt or innocence stage and the punishment stage, including the defendant's background and character. Additionally, the bill stipulates that the jury must reach a unanimous decision to answer any issue "yes" or "no," and it allows for jurors to disagree on the specific evidence supporting their decisions. The language also emphasizes that mitigating evidence should be considered as factors that may reduce the defendant's moral blameworthiness.

The bill specifies that these changes will only apply to criminal proceedings that commence on or after the effective date of September 1, 2025, ensuring that cases initiated before this date will follow the previous legal framework. This approach aims to enhance the clarity and fairness of jury instructions in capital cases, ultimately impacting how juries deliberate on the imposition of the death penalty.