Texas Senate Bill SB1274

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/6/09
• Voted on by Senate: 4/16/09
• Out of House Committee: 5/6/09
• Voted on by House: 5/12/09
• Governor Action: 5/23/09
• Enrolled: 5/13/09
• Passed: 5/23/09

Caption

Relating to the summoning of jurors to justice of the peace courts in certain counties.

Impact

If enacted, SB1274 would alter the existing procedures for jury summons in major Texas counties, potentially leading to a more streamlined process for managing juries. This could help alleviate some of the burdens faced by courts in densely populated areas, where the large number of potential jurors can overwhelm the system. By allowing for adjacent precinct summoning, the bill could enhance participation and reduce logistical challenges associated with jury duty.

Summary

SB1274 aims to amend the Government Code of Texas regarding the summoning of jurors to justice of the peace courts in certain counties. The bill specifically addresses counties with populations of 3.3 million or more, allowing them to summon prospective jurors to report directly to a justice court in the precinct adjacent to their residence. This proposed change seeks to improve the efficiency of the jury selection process in larger counties by providing greater flexibility in where jurors are assigned.

Contention

While the bill appears to focus on improving judicial efficiency in large counties, potential points of contention may arise concerning the fairness of jury selection and the accessibility of courts. Critics may argue that summoning jurors to adjacent precincts could complicate the lives of some residents, especially those who may not have easy access to transportation. Additionally, ensuring that the jury pool remains representative of the population in each precinct is a critical issue that proponents and opponents may debate throughout the legislative process.