Honorable Nicole Collier, Chair, House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence
FROM:
John McGeady, Assistant Director Sarah Keyton, Assistant Director Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB480 by Schaefer (relating to a challenge to a grand juror and the recording of certain proceedings relating to the grand jury.), Committee Report 1st House, Substituted
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Code of Criminal Procedure to require a stenographer or a person operating an electronic recording device capable of recording sound to record certain proceedings related to empaneling a grand jury.
The bill would also require a court to allow the attorney representing the state a reasonable opportunity to question a grand juror to determine if the grand juror might be challenged for cause.
Based on the analysis of the Office of Court Administration, duties and responsibilities associated with implementing the provisions of the bill could be accomplished utilizing existing resources.
The bill would take effect September 1, 2019.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.
Source Agencies:
212 Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council