S.B. No. 2797 aims to amend the discovery requirements in criminal cases under the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. The bill introduces new provisions that require defendants asserting an alibi to provide written notice to the state, including the names of witnesses and the location of the defendant at the time of the alleged offense. Additionally, it mandates that the state must disclose the names of witnesses it intends to use to rebut the alibi at least ten days before jury selection. The bill also establishes a new Article 39.142, which outlines the defendant's obligations to disclose witness lists, statements, and evidence they plan to use in their defense, with specific timelines for these disclosures.

Furthermore, the bill redesignates and amends existing articles related to discovery, ensuring that both parties have clear guidelines on what must be disclosed and when. It emphasizes that any notice provided by the defendant regarding defenses is solely for discovery purposes and not admissible at trial. The changes will apply only to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025, while offenses committed before that date will be governed by the previous law. The bill is designed to enhance transparency and fairness in the criminal justice process by clarifying the discovery obligations of both the state and the defendant.