The bill, H.B. No. 773, introduces a new chapter, Chapter 53, to the Code of Criminal Procedure, which establishes the framework for judicial commutation of punishment for certain inmates. Specifically, it applies to inmates who are either 50 years of age or older and have served at least 15 years of imprisonment for a felony, or those aged 35 to 49 who have served at least 20 years. The bill outlines the process for filing a motion for commutation, including requirements for the motion, the appointment of counsel for the inmate, and the conditions under which a court may grant or deny such motions. It also specifies that a court must grant a motion unless there is clear and convincing evidence that the inmate's release would pose an unreasonable risk to public safety.

Additionally, the bill mandates data collection on the motions filed under this chapter, requiring courts and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to maintain and report statistics on the number of motions filed, granted, denied, and pending. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, contingent upon the approval of a constitutional amendment that would authorize the legislature to enact such laws. If the amendment is not approved, the act will have no effect.