BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 1675
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Jurors currently have the option of donating the daily reimbursement that they receive for jury service to one of several causes. One of the options they have is to donate to their county's child welfare board. Most people are not familiar with their county's child welfare board and they do not understand its function. Child welfare boards are composed of volunteers appointed by the county commissioners to assist in supporting the work of Child Protective Services and the children they serve. Child welfare boards host caseworker appreciation activities, and child abuse prevention events, provide needed items for children, assist with the adoption of foster children, and offer other additional activities.
Additionally, the term "welfare" does not adequately reflect the child welfare board's work with child protection and often is confused with traditional definitions of welfare. The child welfare boards have found that the negative connotation the term "welfare" bears to some individuals diverts needed community support from the boards.
As proposed, S.B. 1675 amends current law relating to donations of juror reimbursements by providing that written descriptions of the functions of a county's child welfare board be included on the juror reimbursement form.
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. Reenacts Section 61.003(a), Government Code, as amended by Chapters 661 (H.B.1204) and 1378 (S.B. 560), Acts of the 80th Legislature, Regular Session, 2007, and amends it to require each person who reports for jury service to be personally provided a form letter that when signed by the person directs the county treasurer to donate all, or a specific amount designated by the person, of the person's daily reimbursement under this chapter to any programs or resources selected by the commissioners court that provide support for child abuse prevention and child protection. Makes nonsubstantive changes.
SECTION 2. Provides that the change in law made by this Act applies only to donations from jurors appearing in response to a summons issued on or after the effective date of this Act.
SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2009.