SRC-JBJ S.B. 1189 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 1189
76R769 GWK-DBy: Luna
Criminal Justice
4/12/1999
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, the Code of Criminal Procedure authorizes a defendant to waive a
trial by jury.  S.B. 1189 authorizes the waiver with the consent and
approval of the attorney representing the state if the offense is a felony. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 1189 adds conditions to a waiver of a trial to jury.

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 Article 1.13(a), Code of Criminal Procedure, to add a
provision that permits a defendant to waive a right to trial by jury if the
offense is a felony, but not a capital offense, and the attorney
representing the state consents and approves. 

SECTION 2.Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 3.Effective date: September 1, 1999.

SECTION 4.Emergency clause.