HB172
Criminal cases; request for a jury to ascertain punishment.
Status:
In House
Latest Action:
Feb. 4, 2026
House: Committee substitute printed 26106766D-H1
Chief Patron:
Leslie Mehta (D)
Session:
2026 Regular Session
Summary
As Introduced. Criminal cases; request for a jury to ascertain punishment.
Provides that an accused may withdraw a request for a jury to ascertain punishment up until the commencement of the sentencing proceeding. The bill also provides that counsel for either party shall have the right to examine jurors regarding the potential range of punishment regardless of whether the jury will ... (More) ascertain punishment and that the court or counsel for either party may inform any person or juror during voir dire as to the potential range of punishment to ascertain if the person or juror can sit impartially in the guilt or sentencing phase of the case. Current law provides that the court or counsel for either party may inform any person or juror during voir dire as to the potential range of punishment to ascertain if the person or juror can sit impartially in the sentencing phase of the case. (Less)-
Bill History
- 01/06/2026 - House: Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26103279D
- 01/06/2026 - House: Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
- 01/19/2026 - House: Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB172)
- 01/29/2026 - House: Assigned HCJ sub: Criminal
- 01/29/2026 - House: Placed on Courts of Justice Agenda
- 01/30/2026 - House: House subcommittee offered
- 01/30/2026 - House: Subcommittee recommends reporting with substitute (7-Y 3-N)
- 02/03/2026 - House: Placed on Courts of Justice Agenda
- 02/04/2026 - House: Reported from Courts of Justice with substitute (15-Y 7-N)
- 02/04/2026 - House: Committee substitute printed 26106766D-H1
