BILL ANALYSIS



H.B. 1204
By: Place
2-27-95
Committee Report (Unamended)


BACKGROUND

Currently, persons summoned for jury service in a justice or
corporation court are subject to a $20 fine for failure to appear. 
Because of this, some people may choose to pay the relatively small
fine and avoid jury duty.  

PURPOSE

If enacted, H.B. 1204 would increase the maximum fine allowable for
failure to appear for jury service in certain courts to a maximum
of $100 in order to promote compliance with the law.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

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

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Article 45.25, Code of Criminal Procedure (Jury
summoned.), by increasing the fine for failing to appear for jury
service in a justice or corporation court from a maximum of $20 to
a maximum of $100.

SECTION 2.  Change in law applies only to offenses committed on or
after the effective date of this Act.

SECTION 3.  Effective date:  September 1, 1995.

SECTION 4.  Emergency clause.


SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION

H.B. 1204 was considered in a public hearing on February 27, 1995. 
The following person testified in favor of the bill:

     Bonnie Sudderth, representing the State Bar of Texas, the
     Texas Municipal Courts Assn, and the City of Fort Worth.

H.B. 1204 was reported favorably without amendment, with the
recommendation that it do pass and be printed, by a record vote of
8 ayes, 0 nays, 0 pnv, and 1 absent.