Relating to the sequestration of a jury in a criminal case.

HB 3206 modifies Texas jury sequestration rules in criminal cases. It allows courts to require juries to remain together after receiving instructions, rather than being permitted to separate, if a party files a motion at least 10 days before jury selection and a hearing confirms "good cause." The bill also specifies that sequestered jurors must have separate housing for male and female jurors overnight, and prohibits revealing which party requested sequestration. These changes apply only to criminal cases beginning on or after September 1, 2025. The bill directly affects criminal defendants, prosecutors, and jurors in Texas courts.