SRC-JFA H.B. 2156 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 2156
By: Solis (Luna)
Jurisprudence
5-1-97
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Currently, the expansion of the jury wheel to include licensed drivers has
greatly increased the jury pool.  Larger counties have experienced a high
number of duplications, creating a larger work load on clerk's offices and
prolonging the time it takes to select a jury.  Section 62.001(i),
Government Code, allows only counties with populations of 105,000 or less
with the largest municipality in more than one county to contract with
entities other than the Secretary of State's office for the purpose of
merging drivers' license and voter registration lists.  This bill would
remove the bracket requirement so other counties could contract with
outside entities for the purpose of merging drivers' license and voter
registration lists for jury selection.   

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 2156 removes a population requirement in Section
62.001(i), Government Code, so certain counties could contract with
outside entities for the purpose of merging drivers' license and voter
registration lists for jury selection. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

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

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Section 62.001(i), Government Code, to delete text limiting
this section to a county with a population of less than 105,000 in which
the municipality with the largest population is located in more than one
county.   

SECTION 2. Emergency clause.
  Effective date: upon passage.