H.B. No. 200 proposes amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure and the Government Code concerning jury instructions and parole eligibility for inmates convicted of offenses committed when they were younger than 18 years old. The bill introduces new jury instructions that clarify the conditions under which a defendant may be eligible for parole, specifically stating that a defendant will not be eligible for parole until they have served either 20 years or the time required under other applicable laws. Additionally, the bill mandates that judgments reflect affirmative findings related to mass shooting offenses committed by youthful offenders and establishes new considerations for parole panels when assessing the release of these inmates, emphasizing their growth and maturity.

The bill also includes provisions that specify the eligibility criteria for parole, stating that youthful offenders are not eligible for release until they have served a minimum of 20 years or meet other conditions. It repeals certain existing provisions and adds new sections to ensure that parole panels consider the unique circumstances of youthful offenders, including their diminished culpability and potential for change. The changes will take effect on January 1, 2026, and apply to defendants sentenced for offenses on or after that date, as well as to inmates confined in Texas Department of Criminal Justice facilities regardless of when their offenses occurred, with specific exceptions for mass shooting cases.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Subchapter E, Chapter , Government Code 1.07, Government Code 508.151, The following provisions of the Government Code 508.145 (Subchapter E, Chapter , Government Code 1, The following provisions of the Government Code 508, Government Code 508)