The bill, S.B. No. 1124, 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," which now encompasses 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 court's authority to compel compliance with discovery requirements, including the potential suppression of evidence if there is a failure to disclose.

The amendments also specify that the attorney representing the state must document any information provided to the defendant and that the rights granted under this article do not extend to certain communications between the state attorney and their agents. The bill establishes a timeline for discovery requests, requiring them to be made at least 20 days before jury selection, and it stipulates that any criminal proceedings initiated before the bill's effective date will be governed by the previous law. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.