TX HB444

Expands eligibility for habeas corpus relief based on scientific evidence that was not "reasonably available" at trial or that "contradicts or tends to negate" scientific evidence used by the prosecution

Lowers the standard for granting relief from "preponderance of the evidence" to a "reasonable likelihood" that the scientific evidence could have affected the conviction or punishment

Entitles indigent defendants to court-appointed counsel when raising claims under Article 11.073 (junk science writ), rather than leaving appointment to judicial discretion

Requires the Court of Criminal Appeals to issue a written decision addressing the substance of any Article 11.073 claim before denying relief

Limits procedural bars on successive habeas applications to only apply when a junk science claim was previously presented by an attorney, effective December 1, 2025