The bill amends the Texas Penal Code to change the age threshold for individuals who can be punished by death or life imprisonment for capital felonies. Specifically, it raises the age from 18 to 21 years, stating that no person may be punished by death for an offense committed while they were younger than 21. Additionally, if an individual is found guilty of a capital felony and was under 21 at the time of the offense, they will face a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment, while those 21 or older will face life without parole if the death penalty is not sought.

The bill also clarifies the information that must be provided to prospective jurors during capital felony trials, ensuring they understand the mandatory sentencing implications based on the age of the offender at the time of the crime. The changes will apply to all criminal actions pending or commenced on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025, and will not affect any final convictions that exist as of that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Penal Code 8.07, Penal Code 12.31 (Penal Code 12, Penal Code 8)