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 grants the court discretion to permit 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, and a hearing must be held if a party requests that the jury remain together, with a requirement to file such a motion at least 10 days before jury selection unless good cause is shown. Additionally, any person revealing which party made the motion against separation will face contempt of court charges.

The bill also stipulates that if jurors are kept overnight, separate facilities must be provided for female and male jurors. In misdemeanor cases, the court has the discretion to allow jurors to separate at any time before a verdict is reached. Furthermore, the court is required to give proper instructions to jurors regarding their conduct when permitted to separate. 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.