Senate Bill No. 1124, introduced by Huffman, 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 attorney must produce relevant evidence upon receiving a specific written request from the defendant, while also allowing for the withholding or redaction of non-discoverable portions of documents. Additionally, it introduces provisions for discovery conferences to resolve issues related to discovery and outlines the court's authority to impose remedies for noncompliance, including the potential suppression of evidence.
The bill also emphasizes the importance of timely communication regarding discovery, requiring parties to promptly address any failures to receive necessary information. It establishes that the rights granted to defendants do not extend to certain communications between the state attorney and their agents, and it specifies that the attorney must document any information provided to the defendant. 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.