HB 2514 expands the eligibility criteria for participation in drug court programs in Texas. The bill amends Section 123.002 of the Government Code to allow individuals arrested for, charged with, or convicted of offenses in which alcohol or controlled substances significantly contributed to the offense to participate in a drug court program, even if the offense involved carrying, possessing, or using a firearm, the use of force against another person, or causing serious bodily injury—provided the state’s attorney consents. However, individuals whose offenses resulted in the death of another person remain ineligible for participation. The bill also mandates that counties with populations over 200,000 must establish a drug court program and ensure compliance with judicial standards under Chapter 121 of the Government Code. The law applies to all defendants entering drug court programs on or after September 1, 2025, regardless of when their offense occurred​.