BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 2375

By: Johnson, Ann

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Currently, the maximum amount that may be spent from county funds on the meals provided for jurors in certain civil cases is $3 per juror. Jury service is not voluntary and jurors should be able to have a quality meal while carrying out their civic duty. H.B. 2375 seeks to remedy this issue by eliminating the $3 cap on the price of meals and authorizing a judge instead to spend an amount they consider reasonable on meals for jurors.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

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. 2375 amends the Government Code to remove the $3 per meal cap on the amount of money that may be spent out of applicable county funds on meals for jurors in a civil case in certain district courts. The bill authorizes the judge instead to spend a reasonable amount per meal, as determined by the judge.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2021.