SRC-JBJ S.B. 1863 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 1863
By: Cain
Jurisprudence
4/23/1999
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, the state does not offer uniform regulations for how much time
each side in a civil action may be allotted for jury selection examination.
Time allotment for the process, called voir dire, is usually determined by
the judge in a lawsuit.  S.B. 1863 would establish voir dire requirements
in civil actions. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 1863 establishes voir dire requirements in civil actions.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

Rulemaking authority is granted to the supreme court in SECTION 1 (Section
30.006(d), Civil Practice and Remedies Code) of this bill. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Chapter 30, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, by adding
Section 30.006, as follows: 

Sec. 30.006.  VOIR DIRE REQUIREMENTS.  Defines "side."  Requires the trial
court in any civil action tried before a jury to allow each side certain
voir dire time allotments, depending on the level of the case.  Prohibits
the allotted time from including the time consumed in making preemptory
challenges or challenges for cause to jurors or in making or responding to
objections.  Authorizes the supreme court to adopt rules consist with the
provisions of this Act. Provides that this Act controls to the extent any
rule conflicts with the provisions of this Act. Provides that Section
22.004, Government Code, does not apply to this section. 

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