SB 1888
AN ACT relating to reconstitution of the jury wheel and juror
Senate Bill • Sparks
89th Regular Session
Jan 14, 2025 - Jun 2, 2025 • Session ended
Awaiting Committee Assignment
Bill filed, pending referral to Senate committee
Committee
Not yet assigned
Fiscal Note
Not available
What This Bill Does
relating to reconstitution of the jury wheel and juror
Subject Areas
Bill Text
relating to reconstitution of the jury wheel and juror qualifications in certain counties. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 62.001, Government Code, is amended by amending Subsections (a), (b), and (d) and adding Subsection (a-1) (a) Except as provided by Subsection (a-1), the [The] jury wheel must be reconstituted by using, as the source: (1) the names of all persons on the current voter registration lists from all the precincts in the county; and (2) all names on a current list to be furnished by the Department of Public Safety, showing the residents [citizens] of (A) hold a valid Texas driver's license or a valid personal identification card or certificate issued by the (B) are not disqualified from jury service under Section 62.102(a)(1) [62.102(1)], (2), or (8). (a-1) In a county with a population of less than 25,000, the jury wheel may be reconstituted by using, in addition to the sources (1) the names of all persons on the current voter registration lists from all the precincts in one or more counties contiguous to the summoning county; and (2) all names on a list required by Subsection (a)(1) showing the residents of one or more counties contiguous to the (A) hold a valid Texas driver's license or a valid personal identification card or certificate issued by the Department of Public Safety; and (B) are not disqualified from jury service under Section 62.102(a)(1), (2), or (8). (b) Notwithstanding Subsection (a) or (a-1), the names of persons listed on a register of persons exempt from jury service may not be placed in the jury wheel, as provided by Sections 62.108, 62.109, 62.113, 62.114, and 62.115. (d) The lists [list] required by Subsections [Subsection] (a)(1) and (a-1)(1) must exclude the names of persons on the suspense list maintained under Section 15.081, Election Code. SECTION 2. Section 62.0132(g), Government Code, is amended (g) The information contained in a completed questionnaire (1) a judge assigned to hear a cause of action in which the respondent to the questionnaire is a potential juror; (3) a litigant and a litigant's attorney in a cause of action in which the respondent to the questionnaire is a potential (4) other than information provided that is related to Section 62.102(a)(8) [62.102(8)] or (9), the voter registrar of a county in connection with any matter of voter registration or the SECTION 3. Section 62.102, Government Code, is amended to Sec. 62.102. GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS FOR JURY SERVICE. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), a [A] person is disqualified to serve as a petit juror unless the person: (1) is at least 18 years of age; (2) is a citizen of the United States; (3) is a resident of this state and of the county in which the person is to serve as a juror; (4) is qualified under the constitution and laws to vote in the county in which the person is to serve as a juror; (5) is of sound mind and good moral character; (6) is able to read and write; (7) has not served as a petit juror for six days during the preceding three months in the county court or during the preceding six months in the district court; (8) has not been convicted of misdemeanor theft or a (9) is not under indictment or other legal accusation for misdemeanor theft or a felony. (b) A person is not disqualified under Subsections (a)(3) and (4) to serve as a juror in a county with a population of less (1) a resident of a county contiguous to the summoning (2) qualified under the constitution and laws to vote SECTION 4. The change in law made by this Act applies only to the qualifications of a person summoned for jury service on or after the effective date of this Act. The qualifications of a person summoned for jury service before the effective date of this Act is governed by the law in effect on the date the summons was made, and the former law is continued in effect for that purpose. SECTION 5. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.
Bill History
filed
Bill filed: AN ACT relating to reconstitution of the jury wheel and juror
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