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.