The bill amends the jurisdictional provisions of the Texas Supreme Court and the Court of Criminal Appeals, specifically addressing their roles in criminal law matters. It introduces new language that grants the Texas Supreme Court appellate jurisdiction to resolve conflicts with the Court of Criminal Appeals regarding the interpretation of the Texas Constitution, particularly in cases involving writs of certiorari and questions certified from federal courts. Additionally, the bill clarifies that the Court of Criminal Appeals has final appellate jurisdiction in criminal cases, with the ability to review decisions from lower courts, except in cases of conflict as defined by the new provisions.

The bill also revises the list of courts with criminal jurisdiction, removing several outdated references and adding the Texas Supreme Court's role in specific conflicts. It emphasizes that the jurisdictional changes are intended to align with the Texas Constitution's provisions regarding the powers of these courts. The changes will apply to any relevant matters pending in Texas courts as of the bill's effective date, which could be immediate or set for September 1, 2025, depending on legislative approval.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 22.001 (Government Code 22)
House Committee Report: Government Code 22.001 (Government Code 22)