BILL ANALYSIS


                                                         H.B. 654
                                        By: Jones, J. (Henderson)
                                                    Jurisprudence
                                                         05-10-95
                              Senate Committee Report (Unamended)
BACKGROUND

Currently, a judge is not required to make provision for
sequestered jurors to vote on election day.

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 654 requires a judge to provide sequestered
jurors reasonable time to vote on election day.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not grant any
additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or
agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 276, Election Code, by adding Section
276.009, as follows:

     Sec. 276.009.  VOTING BY SEQUESTERED JUROR.  (a)  Requires the
     judge of a court that has issued an order that a jury not be
     allowed to separate to permit a juror reasonable time to vote
     on election day.
     
     (b)  Authorizes the court to provide the juror with a means
       of transportation to and from the appropriate polling place.
       
       SECTION 2.   Effective date: September 1, 1995.

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.