BILL ANALYSIS


                                                     C.S.S.B. 264
                                                         By: Luna
                                                    Jurisprudence
                                                          3-16-95
                                   Committee Report (Substituted)
BACKGROUND

Currently, deaf and hard of hearing persons, although allowed to
serve as jurors, are not provided interpreters.

PURPOSE

As proposed, C.S.S.B. 264 sets forth provisions for the appointment
of an interpreter to assist a deaf or hearing impaired juror.

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 Section 62.1041, Government Code, as follows:

     Sec. 62.1041.  New title:  DEAF OR HARD OF HEARING JUROR.  (a)
     Provides that a deaf or hard of hearing person is not
     disqualified to serve as a juror solely because of hearing
     loss except as provided by this section.
     
     (b) Makes conforming changes.
       
       (c) Requires a deaf or hard of hearing person serving as a
       juror to be accommodated in accordance with the federal
       Americans with Disabilities Act.  Authorizes an interpreter
       who is assisting the person to accompany the juror during
       all proceedings and deliberations in the case.
       
       (d) Requires the county to pay the cost of obtaining the
       services of an interpreter to assist a deaf or hard of
       hearing juror in a district, county, or justice court.
       
       (e) Authorizes a deaf or hard of hearing juror to request an
       auxiliary aid or service for a municipal court proceeding. 
       Requires the city to honor the request, with an exception. 
       Requires the city to pay the cost unless the auxiliary aid
       or service will result in a fundamental alteration of the
       municipal court proceeding or in undue financial or
       administrative burdens.
       
       (f) Defines "deaf or hard of hearing."
SECTION 2. Effective date:  September 1, 1995.
           Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.