The bill, H.B. No. 2837, aims to clarify the involvement of state, local, and court authorities in determining the lawful presence of victims, witnesses, and certain detained individuals in the United States. It repeals several provisions from the Code of Criminal Procedure, Government Code, Local Government Code, and Penal Code, which may have previously governed these determinations.

Additionally, the bill amends Article 17.16(a) of the Code of Criminal Procedure to modify the conditions under which a surety can relieve themselves of their obligations. Specifically, it removes references to federal custody and clarifies that a surety can deliver an affidavit stating that the accused is incarcerated in state custody or any county of Texas. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses or on September 1, 2025, if that vote is not achieved.