PMWJ S.B. 551 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS


JUDICIAL AFFAIRS
S.B. 551
By: Brown (Thompson)
4-9-97
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND 

 Texans over the age of 65 are currently exempt from jury service.
Raising the exemption age would significantly add to the pool of available
jurors. 


PURPOSE

 SB 551 would raise the age at which a person is exempt from jury duty
from  65 to 70. 


RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

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


SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

 SECTION 1 amends Section 62.106, Government Code, to increase the age a
person may establish an exemption from jury serrvice from 65 to 70.  It
also changes gender specific pronouns and makes a corrective amendment
related to legislation passed in 1995.  

 SECTION 2 amends Section 62.107(c), Government Code, to make conforming
changes and change gender specific pronouns. 
 
 SECTION 3 amends Section 62.108, Government Code, to change the age a
person may establish a permanent jury exemption from 65 to 70 and changes
gender-specific language. 

 SECTION 4.  Effective date.  Application of act.
 
 SECTION 5.  Emergency clause.