TX HB5550

Codifies jury nullification in Texas criminal cases, allowing juries to find a defendant not guilty or guilty of a lesser offense if they determine the law is unjust or unjustly applied, even when the defendant is technically guilty under the law

Grants defendants the explicit right to inform juries of their nullification power and to argue that jurors may vote according to conscience; courts and prosecutors are prohibited from infringing on this right, and violations constitute grounds for mistrial

Requires courts to allow defendants to present evidence and testimony on the merit, intent, constitutionality, or applicability of the law, as well as the defendant's motives, moral perspective, degree of guilt, actual harm caused, and potential punishment

Removes the state's ability to challenge jurors for cause based on bias or prejudice against any phase of the law relied upon for conviction or punishment

Prohibits disqualifying potential jurors who express willingness to exercise jury nullification powers; effective September 1, 2025, applying to juries empaneled on or after that date