84R6575 JRH-D
By: Hughes H.B. No. 1108
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the determination of whether jurors in a criminal case
have good cause for not performing their duties.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Article 33.011(b), Code of Criminal Procedure,
is amended to read as follows:
(b) Alternate jurors in the order in which they are called
shall replace jurors who, before [prior to] the time the jury
renders a verdict on the guilt or innocence of the defendant and, if
applicable, the amount of punishment, become or are found to be
unable or disqualified to perform their duties or are determined
[found by the court on agreement of the parties] to have good cause
for not performing their duties either through a finding by the
court or through an agreement of the parties that is approved by the
court. Alternate jurors shall be drawn and selected in the same
manner, shall have the same qualifications, shall be subject to the
same examination and challenges, shall take the same oath, and
shall have the same functions, powers, facilities, security, and
privileges as regular jurors. An alternate juror who does not
replace a regular juror shall be discharged after the jury has
rendered a verdict on the guilt or innocence of the defendant and,
if applicable, the amount of punishment.
SECTION 2. The change in law made by this Act applies only
to a trial commenced on or after the effective date of this Act. A
trial commenced before the effective date of this Act is covered by
the law in effect when the trial was commenced, and the former law
is continued in effect for that purpose.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2015.