Legislation filed by Democrat State Rep. John Bucy this week would abolish the death penalty in Texas.
Current Texas law allows the death penalty or life without parole for defendants convicted of capital felonies when prosecutors seek a death sentence.
House Bill 387 would require life in prison without parole for defendants convicted of capital felonies committed at age 18 or older. Those who committed the offense before turning 18 would receive life imprisonment.
The legislation would also remove procedures specific to the death penalty from the Code of Criminal Procedure, including provisions governing jury selection, sentencing, and the appointment of attorneys in capital cases.
The proposal would apply to criminal cases pending, on appeal, or initiated on or after its effective date, regardless of when the underlying offense occurred. Convictions already final when the law takes effect would remain unchanged.
If enacted, HB 387 would take effect September 1, 2027, or immediately with approval from two-thirds of each chamber.
