Bill > HB2637

This bill updates Texas law regarding jury service qualifications and exemptions, making several key changes to the Code of Criminal Procedure and Government Code. The bill replaces the term "excuses" with "exemptions" throughout the legal text and modifies the qualifications and disqualification criteria for both grand and petit (trial) jurors. Specifically, it changes the age threshold for jury service exemption from 70 to 75 years old, updates the list of reasons a person can be exempted from jury service (such as being a student or primary caregiver), and clarifies disqualification criteria related to criminal convictions. The bill also introduces new administrative requirements for district clerks, mandating that they maintain and regularly update lists of persons who are exempt or disqualified from jury service, and report these lists to various state and local authorities like the secretary of state and county voter registrars. These changes aim to streamline jury selection processes and ensure more consistent and transparent management of jury pools. The bill will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will apply only to persons summoned for jury service on or after that date.

Justice

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB2637