Relating to ensuring the removal of the names of deceased persons from the jury wheel.
Impact
The passage of HB 1313 will amend existing statutes in the Texas Government Code, specifically Section 62.001, by establishing procedures for the timely removal of deceased individuals from the jury wheel. This effort could prevent potential judicial complications that arise from summoning deceased persons for jury duty due to outdated records. Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of accurate voter registration lists and the continuous need for data synchronization between various state agencies to ensure the reliability of public information.
Summary
House Bill 1313 aims to ensure the removal of the names of deceased individuals from the jury wheel in Texas. The bill mandates that the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) must exclude deceased individuals' names from the jury selection list. This is achieved through quarterly updates from the secretary of state, which will aid the DPS in maintaining an accurate, up-to-date list of eligible jurors. The legislation is intended to streamline the jury service process and ensure that the jury pool remains comprised of living residents who are eligible to serve.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HB 1313 appears to be predominantly positive, as it addresses a practical issue affecting the efficiency of the judicial system. The bill received significant support in the legislature, evidenced by a unanimous vote of 139 yeas during its third reading in the House. Legislators likely view this legislation as a necessary step towards improving the integrity of the jury selection process and enhancing civic participation without the hindrance of logistical errors.
Contention
While the bill garnered broad support, there may be underlying concerns regarding data privacy and the accuracy of the information shared between state agencies. Although there is no documented opposition to this specific legislation, it is critical to ensure that processes for obtaining and utilizing the death information from the secretary of state do not infringe on privacy rights. In essence, while HB 1313 seems to address a straightforward bureaucratic issue, careful implementation and oversight are essential to avoid any unintended consequences.
Relating to the duties of a justice of the peace, medical examiner, or other investigator regarding the bodies of unidentified deceased persons and to the control by certain persons of the disposition of a deceased person's remains.
Relating to investigations of child abuse and neglect and the procedures for adding names to or removing names from the central registry of child abuse and neglect.
Relating to prohibitions on the illegal entry into or illegal presence in this state by a person who is an alien, the enforcement of those prohibitions and certain related orders, including immunity from liability and indemnification for enforcement actions, and authorizing or requiring under certain circumstances the removal of persons who violate those prohibitions; creating criminal offenses.
Relating to the operation and administration of and practices and procedures regarding proceedings in the judicial branch of state government, including the service of process and delivery of documents related to the proceedings, the administration of oaths, and the management of the Texas Indigent Defense Commission, and the composition of certain juvenile boards; establishing a civil penalty; increasing certain court costs; authorizing fees.