Honorable Abel Herrero, Chair, House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB1253 by Dutton (Relating to appointment of a grand jury.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Code of Criminal Procedure to require district judges to select 20 to 125 prospective grand jurors. The district judge would then select grand jurors from this panel using the same method for selection and summons of panels as used for the trial of civil cases in district courts to impanel a grand jury. If a district judge finds this appointment method to be inadequate and states this in writing, the district judge may then appoint three to five persons to serve as jury commissioners who are responsible for selecting 15 to 40 citizens to serve as grand jurors.
Based on the analysis of the Office of Court Administration, duties and responsibilities associated with implementing the provisions of the bill could be accomplished by utilizing existing resources.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated. Counties that currently use a jury commissioner system may see a slight increase in costs resulting from having to pay the increased number of prospective jurors who are called to serve on the first day.
Source Agencies:
212 Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council