LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 78TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

April 3, 2003

TO:	Honorable Bill Ratliff, Chair, Senate Committee on State Affairs
FROM:	John Keel, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB146 by Solomons (Relating to jury duty on general election day.), As Engrossed

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would add Section 62.0125 to the Government Code to provide that prospective jurors may not be summoned to appear for jury service on the date of the general election for state and county officers.  The bill would take effect on September 1, 2003.     

Local Government Impact

No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.  For example, Harris County reports the bill would eliminate jury call for one Tuesday every two years.  An average Tuesday summons 4,400 persons with about 820 appearing.  Harris County pays $6 for an appearance.  This amounts to about $5,000 in per diems and another $1,500 for the summons.  Harris County reports the impact of eliminating the $6,500 in juror payments for one day every two years is insignificant.

Source Agencies:	212 Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council
LBB Staff:	JK, RR, GO, VDS, TB