H.B. No. 200 amends the Code of Criminal Procedure and the Government Code to establish new jury instructions and parole eligibility criteria for inmates convicted of offenses committed when they were younger than 18 years old. The bill introduces a new subsection in Article 37.07, which requires juries to be informed about the potential for parole eligibility for youthful offenders, specifically stating that such defendants will not be eligible for parole until they have served 20 years or until they would otherwise be eligible under existing laws. Additionally, the bill mandates that juries are instructed not to consider how parole laws may apply to the specific defendant.

Furthermore, the bill adds two new sections to the Government Code that outline additional considerations for parole panels when reviewing cases of youthful offenders. These considerations include assessing the inmate's growth and maturity, recognizing the diminished culpability of juveniles, and allowing input from individuals familiar with the inmate's development. The bill also establishes that youthful offenders are not eligible for parole until they have served 20 years, with certain exceptions for specific offenses. The legislation repeals existing provisions that conflict with these new rules and is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

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, Government Code 508, The following provisions of the Government Code 508)
House Committee Report: Government Code 508.151, The following provisions of the Government Code 508.145 (Subchapter E, Chapter , Government Code 1, Government Code 508, The following provisions of the Government Code 508)
Engrossed: Government Code 508.151, The following provisions of the Government Code 508.145 (Subchapter E, Chapter , Government Code 1, Government Code 508, The following provisions of the Government Code 508)