BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

Senate Research Center                                                                                                      S.B. 1373

79R6714 YDB-F                                                                                                               By: Madla

                                                                                                                                      Jurisprudence

                                                                                                                                            3/24/2005

                                                                                                                                              As Filed

 

 

AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

Currently, the 112th Judicial District and the 83rd Judicial District have concurrent jurisdiction.  The 112th District Court impanels four grand juries each year in Pecos County and the 83rd District Court impanels two grand juries per year.  Therefore, six panels are being called each year for grand jury service in Pecos County.  This is in addition to any panels called for petit jury service.  The response to jury notices in Pecos County is less than fifty percent and the brevity of the 112th's grand jury term is unnecessary. 

 

As proposed, S.B. 1373 reduces the number of grand jury panels for the 112th District from four to two six-month terms.  To avoid confusion, these terms should not occur at the same time as the 83rd District and will begin on the first Mondays in May and November.

 

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 Section 24.214(b), Government Code, to delete existing text relating to the terms for the 112th District Court in Pecos County beginning in January and July.

 

SECTION 2.  Effective date: September 1, 2005.