The bill amends Article 35.23 of the Code of Criminal Procedure regarding the sequestration of juries in criminal cases. It allows the court to adjourn veniremen to any day of the term and permits jurors in felony cases to separate until the court has given its charge. After the charge, the court may order the jury not to separate, either on its own motion or upon a party's request, provided that a hearing is held to determine if good cause exists for such an order. The bill also establishes that any party requesting the jury not to separate must file their motion at least 10 days before jury selection unless good cause is shown for a later filing.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that if jurors are ordered not to separate and are kept overnight, separate facilities must be provided for female jurors. It also allows for greater discretion in misdemeanor cases, permitting jurors to separate at any time before a verdict is reached. The court is required to give proper instructions to jurors regarding their conduct when separated. 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.