TX HB2726

Amends Article 36.16 of the Code of Criminal Procedure to require courts to permit each party to present an argument to the jury when a subsequent jury charge is delivered after arguments have begun

Subsequent jury charges may be given only when required by improper argument of counsel, at the jury's request, or when the judge permits introduction of additional testimony

Updates language throughout the statute to use gender-neutral terms (replacing "his" with "the judge's" and "the defendant's")

Applies only to criminal proceedings that commence on or after September 1, 2025; proceedings begun before that date remain governed by prior law

Takes effect September 1, 2025