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.