By Keel, Hinojosa H.B. No. 842
77R4157 JMG-D
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
1-1 AN ACT
1-2 relating to the authority of less than the whole number of a jury
1-3 to render a verdict in a felony case when a juror dies or becomes
1-4 disabled.
1-5 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
1-6 SECTION 1. Article 36.29, Code of Criminal Procedure, is
1-7 amended by amending the heading to read as follows:
1-8 Art. 36.29. IF A JUROR DIES OR BECOMES DISABLED [ILL].
1-9 SECTION 2. Article 36.29(a), Code of Criminal Procedure, is
1-10 amended to read as follows:
1-11 (a) Not less than twelve jurors can render and return a
1-12 verdict in a felony case. It must be concurred in by each juror
1-13 and signed by the foreman. Except as provided in Subsection (b)
1-14 [of this section], however, after [when pending] the trial of any
1-15 felony case begins and a[, one] juror dies [may die] or, as
1-16 determined by the judge, becomes [be] disabled from sitting at any
1-17 time before the charge of the court is read to the jury, the
1-18 remainder of the jury shall have the power to render the verdict;
1-19 but when the verdict shall be rendered by less than the whole
1-20 number, it shall be signed by every member of the jury concurring
1-21 in it.
1-22 SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2001.