SRC-SLL H.B. 1886 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 1886
By: Oliveira (Lucio)
Jurisprudence
5-15-97
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Prospective jurors are currently reimbursed $6 for their initial selection
hearing and $7.50 per day for jury service if selected.  Because the
amounts of money involved are usually quite small, it has been suggested
that jurors should have the option of donating their reimbursement stipend
to victims' organizations.  This bill will allow persons responsible for
summoning jurors to provide prospective jurors with a form letter that
would allow them to donate all or part of their jury service
reimbursements to victims' organizations. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 1886 provides regulations regarding certain juror
donations. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Sections 61.003(a) and (b), Government Code, to require
certain persons to provide to each prospective juror a form letter that
when signed by the prospective juror directs the county treasurer to
donate all or part of the prospective juror's reimbursement for jury
service to the child welfare service fund under Chapter 264, Family Code,
any program selected by the commissioners court that is operated by a
public or private nonprofit organization and that provides shelter and
services to victims of family violence, or any other program approved by
the commissioners court of the county.  Makes conforming changes. 

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1997.
  Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.