Bill > HB580

This bill introduces new legal protections against discriminatory jury selection practices in both civil and criminal cases in Texas. The legislation prohibits attorneys from using peremptory challenges (the ability to exclude potential jurors without stating a specific reason) to remove jurors based on their actual or perceived race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, national origin, or economic status. If a party believes that such discriminatory challenges have occurred, they can request the court to dismiss the entire jury pool and call a new array. The burden of proof initially lies with the complaining party to provide evidence suggesting discriminatory intent, after which the burden shifts to the challenging attorney to provide a neutral explanation for their strikes. Furthermore, the bill adds a new provision to the Government Code explicitly stating that a person cannot be disqualified from jury service based on the same protected characteristics. These changes aim to ensure a more representative and unbiased jury selection process, promoting fairness in the legal system. The law is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, giving courts and legal professionals time to prepare for the new requirements.

Justice

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB580