BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center H.B. 1665
81R31337 JRH-D By: King, Phil (Harris)
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
H.B. 1665 relates to the penalty imposed on defaulting jurors.
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 62.111, Government Code, as follows:
Sec. 62.111. PENALTY FOR DEFAULTING JURORS. Requires a juror lawfully notified to be fined not less than $100 nor more than $500, rather than not less than $10 nor more $100, if the juror fails to attend court in obedience to the notice without reasonable excuse or files a false claim of exemption from jury service. Makes a nonsubstantive change.
SECTION 2. Amends Article 19.16, Code of Criminal Procedure, to make conforming changes.
SECTION 3. Amends Article 35.01, Code of Criminal Procedure, to authorize those jurors not present to be fined not less than $100 nor more than $500, rather than not exceeding $50.
SECTION 4. Makes application of this Act prospective.
SECTION 5. Effective date: September 1, 2009.