TITLE: Relating to ensuring the removal of the names of deceased persons from the jury wheel.

SUMMARY: Relating to ensuring the removal of the names of deceased persons from the jury wheel.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to ensuring the removal of the names of deceased persons from the jury wheel. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 62.001, Government Code, is amended by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (b-1) to read as follows: (a) The jury wheel must be reconstituted by using, as the source: (1) the names of all persons on the current voter registration lists from all the precincts in the county; and (2) all names on a current list to be furnished by the Department of Public Safety, showing the citizens of the county who: (A) subject to Subsection (b-1), hold a valid Texas driver's license or a valid personal identification card or certificate issued by the department; and (B) are not disqualified from jury service under Section 62.102(1), (2), or (7). (b-1) The Department of Public Safety shall exclude from the list furnished under Subsection (a) the names of persons who are deceased. SECTION 2. Subchapter A, Chapter 62, Government Code, is amended by adding Section 62.0015 to read as follows: Sec. 62.0015. REMOVAL OF DECEASED PERSONS FROM JURY WHEEL. (a) At least quarterly, the secretary of state shall furnish to the Department of Public Safety information obtained under Section 16.001, Election Code, relating to deceased residents of the state that will assist the department in ensuring the accuracy of names provided for the jury wheel under Section 62.001(a)(2) by allowing the department to exclude from the list furnished under that subsection the names of deceased persons as required by Section 62.001(b-1). (b) Using information obtained by the secretary of state under Section 16.001, Election Code, the secretary shall establish a method of informing county and district clerks regarding the deaths of persons who resided in the counties served by the clerks for purposes of Subsection (c). (c) The county or district clerk shall remove from the jury wheel the jury wheel card of a deceased person or remove a deceased person's name from the record of names for selection of persons for jury service under Section 62.011. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.