BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 616
88R19806 JTZ-F	By: Vasut; Plesa (Zaffirini)
	Jurisprudence
	5/8/2023
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

One responsibility of a district clerk is to select juries appropriately. In 2021, allegations were made against the Brazoria County district clerk, suggesting that they failed to properly select some petit juries. As the investigation proceeded, concerns arose regarding the district clerk's training on jury selection. It is crucial for district clerks to receive proper training on jury selection to ensure fairness and impartiality in our justice system. To address any gaps in training, H.B. 616 proposes that at least one hour of initial and continuing education for district clerks cover the proper selection of petit and grand juries.

H.B. 616 amends current law relating to continuing education instruction for district clerks on impaneling petit and grand juries.

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. Amends Section 51.605, Government Code, by adding Subsection (e), as follows:

(e) Requires a district clerk, as part of the 20 hours of initial instruction and of continuing education courses prescribed under Section 51.605 (Continuing Education), to complete one hour of instruction on impaneling petit and grand juries.

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2023.