TX SB2741

Allows counsel appointment for capital felony cases where the death penalty cannot be sought (due to U.S. Supreme Court, Court of Criminal Appeals, or Texas Supreme Court rulings) to follow first degree felony guidelines instead of the more stringent death penalty case requirements

Increases the minimum membership of local selection committees for capital case counsel from four to five members, and requires at least two district judges instead of one

Changes terminology throughout from "death penalty cases" to "capital felony cases" for attorney qualification standards

Modifies experience requirements for lead trial and appellate counsel by changing "and" to "or" in several provisions, allowing attorneys to qualify with either homicide trial experience OR other first degree/capital felony experience (rather than requiring both)

Applies only to capital felony cases filed on or after September 1, 2025