Senate Bill No. 1124, introduced by Huffman and Perry, amends Article 39.14 of the Code of Criminal Procedure to enhance the discovery process in criminal cases. Key changes include a clearer definition of "the state" to encompass both the attorney representing the state and any law enforcement agency involved in the case. The bill mandates that the state attorney must produce relevant evidence upon receiving a specific written request from the defendant, while also allowing for the possibility of limiting discovery requests if deemed overly broad or burdensome. Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for discovery conferences and outlines the consequences for noncompliance, including the potential suppression of evidence.

The bill also emphasizes the importance of documenting any information provided to the defendant and establishes that the rights granted under this article do not extend to certain communications between the state attorney and their agents. It specifies that the attorney must inform the defendant if any part of a requested document is withheld or redacted. The changes will apply only to criminal proceedings that commence on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025.