SB 1203 Texas Senate · 89th Legislature (2025)

Relating to public access to criminal proceedings.

SB 1203 requires Texas courts to improve public access to criminal proceedings by mandating that courts publish key details online or at courthouses for pretrial hearings (Article 15.17 proceedings). Specifically, courts must post how to inquire about cases, times/locations, and live stream links before proceedings begin. By January 1, 2026, courts lacking physical access must provide live video access that allows clear viewing and listening, with safety exceptions permitted for in-person limits. This applies only to criminal cases starting on or after January 1, 2026, and affects all Texas courts handling such proceedings.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 10, 2025 Last action Feb 28, 2025
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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
4
Key actions
0
Committee
1
Feb 28, 2025
Committee
Referred to Criminal Justice
upper
Feb 28, 2025
Introduced
Read first time
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Judith Zaffirini
Judith Zaffirini
DDemocratic
TX
21