LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 79TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

May 26, 2005

TO:	Honorable David Dewhurst, Lieutenant Governor, Senate
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 Passed 2nd House

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 also adds that a commissioner is not qualified to be selected for or to serve as a grand juror during the term of court for which he is serving as a commissioner.

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