Honorable Robert Duncan, Chair, Senate Committee on Jurisprudence
FROM:
John Keel, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
SB53 by Zaffirini (Relating to grand juror training regarding sexual assault issues.), As Introduced
No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would add Article 19.43 to the Code of Criminal Procedure, requiring district courts to ensure that each grand juror receives two hours of training regarding sexual assault issues related to victims and perpetrators of sexual assault. The court would be required to adopt rules necessary for implementing the requirements of the bill, including providing a method to certify training completion. The training would have to be provided by a sexual assault program as defined by Section 420.003, Government Code. The training requirement would apply only to grand juries empaneled after October 1, 2003. The bill would take effect September 1, 2003.
Local Government Impact
According to the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault, associations that provide this type of training program are grant-funded and therefore offer the training free of charge. Any administrative costs could be absorbed by the courts.
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.
Source Agencies:
212 Office Of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council