The bill, S.B. No. 1220, amends the Government Code by adding a new section that clarifies the subject matter jurisdiction of criminal trial courts in Texas. Specifically, it states that the exhaustion of civil or administrative remedies is not a prerequisite for a trial court to have jurisdiction over a criminal action, unless explicitly stated otherwise. This change aims to streamline the process for criminal cases by removing the requirement to first pursue civil remedies before a criminal trial can proceed.

The bill applies to all criminal actions, regardless of when they were initiated, and is designed to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds majority vote from both houses of the legislature. If it does not achieve this immediate effect, the bill will become effective on September 1, 2025.

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