BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

                                                                                                                                      C.S.H.B. 343

                                                                                                                                          By: Carona

                                                                                                                                              Judiciary

                                                                                                        Committee Report (Substituted)

 

 

 

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

 

As proposed, C.S.S.B. 343 revises the oath taken by witnesses appearing before a grand jury by removing the more arcane language used in the oath and replacing it with more easily understandable modern language. The revisions do not make substantive changes to the oath.

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. 

 

ANALYSIS

 

SECTION 1. Amends Article 20.16, Code of Criminal Procedure, to make conforming and nonsubstantive changes to the oath required to be taken by witnesses appearing before a grand jury.

 

SECTION 2. Makes application of this Act prospective.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE

 

September 1, 2007.

 

COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL TO SUBSTITUTE

 

The substitute adds the words "and will keep secret" on line 11.