Texas House Bill HB991

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the selection and summons of prospective grand jurors.

Impact

If enacted, HB 991 would significantly impact the process of grand jury selection within Texas. By permitting a broader range of jurors to be summoned, it may help ensure a more representative and diverse jury pool. This change is particularly relevant in a state like Texas, where population diversity can lead to differences in juror experience and perspective, potentially improving the fairness of legal proceedings.

Summary

House Bill 991, titled 'Relating to the selection and summons of prospective grand jurors', aims to amend the existing Code of Criminal Procedure by changing the number of prospective grand jurors that can be summoned by district judges. The bill outlines that judges may select between 20 to 250 prospective grand jurors, increasing the previous limit of 125. This change is intended to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the jury selection process, allowing for a larger pool of potential jurors to be considered.

Conclusion

Overall, House Bill 991 reflects an effort by the Texas legislature to modernize and improve the grand jury selection process. It recognizes the need for flexibility in jury composition, aiming to adapt to the realities of a growing and diverse population.

Contention

The discussion surrounding HB 991 may include points of contention related to the practicality and implications of summoning larger groups of jurors. Proponents may argue that this change is necessary for accommodating varying case loads, while critics could express concerns about the logistics, costs, and potential public burden associated with increased juror summons. Furthermore, the bill's effective date is set for September 1, 2017, which may also spark debates on the preparedness of court systems to accommodate this change.