BILL ANALYSIS


                                                        H.B. 2098
                                         By: Thompson (Henderson)
                                                    Jurisprudence
                                                          5-25-95
                              Senate Committee Report (Unamended)
BACKGROUND

In many counties with multiple justices of the peace, the courts of
these justices are spread throughout the county.  Since these
courts are not at the county courthouse where potential jurors are
processed often makes it difficult or impractical for the courts to
get juries rapidly as is often required.  The 73rd Legislature
repealed the previous provisions for justice courts to obtain
jurors.

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 2098 authorizes a justice court to summon jurors
in the same manner that jurors are summoned for criminal cases.

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 62, Government Code, by adding Subchapter
E, as follows:

               SUBCHAPTER E.  JUSTICE COURT JURIES

     Sec. 62.411.  JUSTICE COURT JURIES.  (a) Authorizes a justice
     of the peace to issue a writ commanding the sheriff or
     constable to summon a venire from which six qualified persons
     may be selected for jury service if a jury case is pending for
     trial at a term of justice court; or the court does not have
     a sufficient number of prospective jurors present whose names
     are on the jury list and who are not excused from jury
     service.
     
     (b) Requires jurors who are empaneled to remain in
       attendance in the court and authorizes them to serve as
       jurors in any case before the court.
       
       (c) Applies this section only in a county with a population
       of more than 2.8 million.
SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1995.
           Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.