Texas HB578 amends sentencing procedures in capital cases, affecting jury deliberations and verdicts.

Texas HB578 modifies the Code of Criminal Procedure to change how juries deliberate in capital cases. The bill specifies that jurors need not unanimously agree on the evidence supporting their answers to certain issues. It also mandates that the jury consider mitigating evidence as any evidence that might reduce the defendant's moral blameworthiness. These changes apply to criminal proceedings that begin after the bill's effective date of September 1, 2025.

Texas HB578 amends sentencing procedures in capital cases, affecting jury deliberations and verdicts.

Texas HB578 modifies the Code of Criminal Procedure to change how juries deliberate in capital cases. The bill specifies that jurors need not unanimously agree on the evidence supporting their answers to certain issues. It also mandates that the jury consider mitigating evidence as any evidence that might reduce the defendant's moral blameworthiness. These changes apply to criminal proceedings that begin after the bill's effective date of September 1, 2025.