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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to the affidavit required to be exempt from jury service |
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due to a physical or mental impairment. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Sections 62.109(b) and (f), Government Code, are |
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amended to read as follows: |
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(b) A person requesting an exemption under this section must |
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submit to the court an affidavit stating the person's name and |
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address and the reason for and the duration of the requested |
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exemption. A person requesting an exemption due to a physical or |
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mental impairment must attach to the affidavit a statement from a |
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physician or an advanced practice registered nurse as defined by |
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Section 301.152, Occupations Code. The affidavit and physician's |
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or registered nurse's statement may be submitted to the court at the |
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time the person is summoned for jury service or at any other time. |
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(f) An affidavit accompanying a request for an exemption |
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from jury service because of a physical or mental impairment may be |
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presented by the affiant or by a friend or relative of the affiant. |
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The affidavit must state: |
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(1) the name and address of the physician or advanced |
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practice registered nurse whose statement accompanies the |
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affidavit; |
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(2) whether the request is for a permanent or |
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temporary exemption; |
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(3) the period of time for which a temporary exemption |
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is requested; and |
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(4) that as a direct result of the physical or mental |
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impairment it is impossible or very difficult for the affiant to |
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serve on a jury. |
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SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2015. |