H.B. 146 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


H.B. 146
By: Solomons
Elections
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Under current law, a citizen may be summoned for jury selection in a
justice, county, or district court during the general election day in
November.  Recent events have shown the importance of ensuring that all
eligible voters have the opportunity to cast a ballot and to have their
vote counted in each county, state, and federal election.  However, a
citizen who has been summoned for jury selection on election day can be
fined for non-appearance, which may prevent the individual from voting.
House Bill 146 prohibits courts from summoning jurors for selection on the
general election day.  


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. 

ANALYSIS

House Bill 146 amends the Government Code to prohibit justice, county or
district courts from summoning prospective jurors to appear for jury
service on the date of the general election for state and county officers.
The bill would not prohibit a jury in the process of a trial from meeting. 


EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2003.