LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 79TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

April 29, 2005

TO:	Honorable Will Hartnett, Chair, House Committee on Judiciary
FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Deputy Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	SB451 by Wentworth (Relating to the qualifications for service as a grand or petit juror and challenges for cause.), As Engrossed

No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would remove from consideration for grand or petit jury service a person who is under indictment for misdemeanor theft. The bill would also allow jury challenges for cause made against a person who is under indictment for misdemeanor theft.

The bill would also incorporate gender-neutral language in the aforementioned sections.

The bill would take effect on September 1, 2005 and would apply only to qualifications for jury service for a person required to appear for jury service by a summons made on or after that date.

Local Government Impact

No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.

Source Agencies:

LBB Staff:

JOB, LB, WP, KJG