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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to the qualifications for jury service. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Section 62.102, Government Code, is amended to |
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read as follows: |
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Sec. 62.102. GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS FOR JURY SERVICE. A |
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person is disqualified to serve as a petit juror unless the person: |
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(1) is at least 18 years of age; |
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(2) is a citizen of the United States; |
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(3) is a resident of this state and of the county in |
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which the person is to serve as a juror; |
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(4) is qualified under the constitution and laws to |
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vote in the county in which the person is to serve as a juror; |
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(5) is of sound mind and good moral character; |
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(6) is able to read and write; |
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(7) has not served as a petit juror for six days during |
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the preceding three months in the county court or during the |
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preceding six months in the district court; |
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(8) has not been convicted of misdemeanor theft or a |
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felony; [and] |
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(9) is not under indictment or other legal accusation |
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for misdemeanor theft or a felony; and |
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(10) has not served as a petit juror for three |
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consecutive months during the preceding 60 months in the county |
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court or district court. |
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SECTION 2. Section 62.102, Government Code, as amended by |
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this Act, applies only to the qualifications of a person summoned |
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for jury service on or after the effective date of this Act. The |
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qualifications of a person summoned for jury service before the |
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effective date of this Act are governed by the law in effect on the |
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date the summons was made, and the former law is continued in effect |
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for that purpose. |
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SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025. |