The proposed bill, known as the John Nolley Act, introduces new regulations regarding the use of in-custody informant testimony in criminal trials in Texas. It adds Article 38.0751 to Chapter 38 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, defining key terms such as "in-custody informant" and "benefit," and outlining the conditions under which such testimony may be admissible. Specifically, the bill mandates that the testimony of an in-custody informant cannot be used against a defendant unless the prosecution provides prior notice and a pretrial hearing establishes the reliability and credibility of the informant's testimony, ensuring that any benefits offered to the informant do not unduly influence their statements.

Additionally, the bill requires the prosecution to provide all relevant information and records to the defense ahead of the admissibility hearing and allows for the defendant to call the informant as a witness during this hearing. If the informant's testimony is admitted at trial, the jury must be instructed to disregard it unless they find that the informant was not unduly influenced by any benefits and that the testimony is truthful. The changes will apply to criminal proceedings commencing on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025.