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. Specifically, it introduces a new subsection in Article 37.07 that requires juries to be informed about the potential for parole eligibility for youthful offenders, stating that they will not be eligible for parole until they have served either 20 years or until they reach the eligibility date under existing laws. Additionally, the bill adds two new sections to the Government Code that outline additional considerations for parole panels when reviewing cases of youthful offenders, emphasizing the need to assess their growth and maturity, and to consider their age at the time of the offense as a mitigating factor.

The bill also repeals certain provisions of the Government Code and modifies existing laws to ensure that the new parole eligibility criteria apply to inmates confined in Texas Department of Criminal Justice facilities, regardless of when the offense occurred, with specific exceptions for certain violent offenses. The changes aim to provide a more nuanced approach to parole for youthful offenders, recognizing their potential for rehabilitation while maintaining public safety. The act 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 (The following provisions of the Government Code 508, Subchapter E, Chapter , Government Code 1, Government Code 508)
House Committee Report: Government Code 508.151, The following provisions of the Government Code 508.145 (The following provisions of the Government Code 508, Subchapter E, Chapter , Government Code 1, Government Code 508)
Engrossed: Government Code 508.151, The following provisions of the Government Code 508.145 (The following provisions of the Government Code 508, Subchapter E, Chapter , Government Code 1, Government Code 508)