BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 2164

By: Rose

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Current law exempts certain people from jury service. One specific provision exempts officers or employees of the senate, the house of representatives, or any department, commission, board, office, or other agency in the legislative branch of state government. The bill continues the exemption, but makes the exemption contingent on certain documentation.

H.B. 2164 adds to the requirements of an officer or an employee of the senate, the house of representatives, or any department, commission, board, office, or other agency in the legislative branch of state government seeking an exemption from jury service to present a letter from the lieutenant governor, a member of the legislature, or the administrative head of a legislative agency that states that jury service by the officer or employee would cause an undue or extreme burden to the legislature .

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

H.B. 2164 amends the Government Code to add to the requirements of an officer or an employee of the senate, the house of representatives, or any department, commission, board, office, or other agency in the legislative branch of state government seeking an exemption from jury service to present a letter from the lieutenant governor, a member of the legislature, or the administrative head of a legislative agency that states that jury service by the officer or employee would cause an undue or extreme burden to the legislature .

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2009.