Texas House Bill HB205

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to grand jury proceedings; providing a punishment for contempt of court.

Impact

The amendments made by HB205 are intended to enhance the confidentiality of grand jury proceedings while ensuring that witnesses have access to legal counsel if they are targets of an investigation. By establishing clearer rules regarding attorney presence, the bill aims to protect the integrity of the grand jury process and prevent any unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information. The changes underscore the state's commitment to upholding the rights of individuals during legal inquiries.

Summary

House Bill 205 proposes amendments to the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure regarding grand jury proceedings. The bill seeks to clarify the conditions under which attorneys can be present in the grand jury room and introduces penalties for attorneys who disclose information from grand jury proceedings. Specifically, it allows an attorney representing a witness who is a target of the investigation to be present while the witness is being questioned, thus providing legal consultation during the proceedings.

Contention

There may be notable points of contention surrounding the scope of attorney presence at grand jury proceedings. Critics could argue that allowing attorneys to be present might complicate the grand jury process or lead to potential challenges in maintaining the impartiality of the proceedings. Furthermore, the penalties for contempt for unauthorized disclosures could be viewed as either necessary safeguards or as overly punitive measures that may deter legal representatives from fulfilling their roles effectively.