SRC-VRA S.B. 164 78(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 164
78R2657 KCR-DBy: Lindsay
Jurisprudence
2/7/2003
As Filed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 


Currently, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals is reviewing whether
deliberations in civil and criminal proceedings can be recorded and
televised.  As proposed, S.B. 164 would prohibit the recording and
televising of jury deliberations in civil and criminal proceedings. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to
a state officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 36, Code of Criminal Procedure, by adding
Article 36.215, as follows: 

Art. 36.215. RECORDING OF JURY DELIBERATIONS. Prohibits the use of any
device to produce or make an audio, visual, or audio-visual record of a
jury in deliberation. 

SECTION 2. Amends Title 2B, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, by adding
Chapter 24, as follows: 

CHAPTER 24. RECORDING OF JURY DELIBERATIONS

Sec. 24.001. RECORDING PROHIBITED. Prohibits the use of any device to
produce or make an audio, visual, or audio-visual record of a jury in
deliberation. 

SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2003.
           Makes application of this act prospective.