BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

Senate Research Center

S.B. 2087

 

By: Hughes

 

State Affairs

 

3/21/2023

 

As Filed

 

 

 

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

Under current law, there are nine general exemptions a person could claim, if eligible, to be exempt from participating in jury service. A few of these include: being over the age of 70, being a student of a secondary school or institution of higher education, or being an officer or an employee of the senate, house of representatives, or any department, commission, board, office, or other agency in the legislative branch of government.

 

S.B. 2087 would expand on the exemption for officers and employees of the legislative branch of government and allow the spouse of the officer or employee to claim an exemption.

 

As proposed, S.B. 2087 amends current law relating to an exemption from jury service for the spouse of an officer or employee in the legislative branch of government.

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

 

SECTION 1. Amends Section 62.106(a), Government Code, as follows:

 

(a) Authorizes a person qualified to serve as a petit juror to establish an exemption from jury service if the person meets certain criteria, including being the spouse of an officer or employee of the senate, the house of representatives, or any department, commission, board, office, or other agency in the legislative branch of state government.

 

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2023.