S.B. 2, 83rd Leg. Special Sess. (Texas 2013) (enacting Tex. Penal Code Ann. § 12.31, Tex. Code Crim. Proc. Ann. art. 37.071)
S.B. 839, 81st Leg. Sess. (Texas 2009) (enacting Tex. Gov’t Code Ann. § 508.145(b)).
Texas, in 2013, eliminated life without parole for 17-year-olds convicted of capital felony. In 2009, Texas had eliminated life without parole as a sentencing option for individuals convicted of capital felony committed at age 16 and younger. Under these statutes, individuals convicted of capital felony committed under age 18 are subject to life sentences with the possibility of parole after 40 years rather than life without parole.