HB 4629

relating to jury instructions regarding parole eligibility for
certain felony offenses that are not eligible for parole.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1.  Section 4, Article 37.07, Code of Criminal
Procedure, is amended by adding Subsection (c-1) to read as
(c-1)  Notwithstanding any other provision of this section,
in the penalty phase of the trial of a felony case in which the
punishment is to be assessed by the jury for an offense described by
Section 508.145(a)(1), (2), (3), or (4), Government Code, the court
shall charge the jury in writing as follows:
"Under the law applicable in this case, if the defendant is
sentenced to a term of imprisonment, the length of time for which a
defendant is imprisoned may not be reduced by the award of parole."
SECTION 2.  Section 4(c-1), Article 37.07, Code of Criminal
Procedure, as added by this Act, applies to a defendant sentenced
for an offense on or after the effective date of this Act,
regardless of when the offense was committed.
SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.