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HJR 113

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to enact laws providing for a district court to reduce or modify a sentence imposing a term of imprisonment for a person who has served not less than 10 years of the term.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Nicole Collier

Texas constitutional amendment allowing courts to reduce sentences for prisoners who have served at least 10 years, creating new rehabilitation-based sentence modification pathway.

Referred to Criminal Jurisprudence
#courts--district(i0120) #criminalprocedure--posttrialprocedure(i0206) #resolutions--constitutionalamendments(i0661)
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Bill Summary · HJR 113

Legislative bill overview

HJR 113 proposes a constitutional amendment that would allow Texas courts to reduce or modify prison sentences for individuals who have already served at least 10 years of their sentence. Currently, Texas law provides limited mechanisms for sentence reduction after conviction. This amendment would create a new statutory pathway for district courts to grant relief to long-term incarcerated individuals.

Why is this important

This addresses concerns about rehabilitation, proportionality in sentencing, and the practical reality that circumstances change significantly over a decade-long imprisonment. The amendment could affect thousands of incarcerated Texans and relates to broader debates about criminal justice reform, prison overcrowding, and whether lengthy sentences serve public safety when individuals have demonstrated changed behavior over extended periods.

Potential points of contention

  • Victim concerns: Victims' rights advocates may oppose measures that reduce sentences, viewing them as diminishing accountability or reopening trauma without victim input in the process
  • Public safety debate: Disagreement exists over whether serving 10 years guarantees rehabilitation or reduced dangerousness, versus arguments that some sentences reflect serious crimes warranting full completion
  • Judicial discretion: Questions about appropriate standards courts should use when deciding which sentence reductions are justified, and whether this creates inconsistent outcomes across different judges and counties

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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