Texas House Bill HB1313

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

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effort could prevent potential judicial complications that arise from summoning deceased persons for jury duty due to outdated records.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.