BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 1744
By: Eltife
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Currently, Texas law provides juvenile defendants the right to have their case heard by a jury; however, the state does not have the authority to request a jury trial if the juvenile waives that right.
As proposed, S.B. 1744 requires a trial to be by jury unless that right is specifically waived by the juvenile and the juvenile's attorney with the consent and approval of the court and the attorney representing the state.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 54.03(c), Family Code, as follows:
(c) Requires trial to be by jury unless jury is waived by the child and the child's attorney in accordance with Section 51.09 (Waiver of Rights), with the consent and approval of the court and the attorney representing the state.
SECTION 2. Makes application of this Act prospective.
SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2007.