reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle E - Juries › Chapter 62 - Petit Juries › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 62.0131. Form of Written Jury Summons

Sec. 62.0131.  FORM OF WRITTEN JURY SUMMONS.  (a)  The Office of Court Administration of the Texas Judicial System shall develop and maintain a model for a uniform written jury summons in this state.
(b)  The model must include:
(1)  the option to provide:
(A)  the exemptions and restrictions governing jury service under Subchapter B; or
(B)  the electronic address of the court's Internet website on which is posted the exemptions and restrictions governing jury service under Subchapter B;
(2)  the information under Chapter 122, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, relating to the duties of an employer with regard to an employee who is summoned for jury service;
(3)  notice of the contempt action to which the person summoned for jury service is subject under Section 62.0141 for failure to comply with the jury summons; and
(4)  the option to:
(A)  include in the jury summons the juror questionnaire required by Section 62.0132;
(B)  provide the electronic address of the court's Internet website from which the juror questionnaire may be easily printed; or
(C)  in counties in which the district and criminal district judges adopted a plan for an electronic jury selection method under Section 62.011, provide the electronic address of the court's Internet website for the prospective juror to access and complete the juror questionnaire.
(c)  A written jury summons must conform with the model established under this section and must be 3-1/2 by 5 inches or larger in size.
(d)  In developing and maintaining the model required by this section, the Office of Court Administration of the Texas Judicial System shall solicit and consider the opinions of the members of the judiciary, district clerks, and attorneys.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 539, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by:
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 861 (H.B. 3474), Sec. 8.009, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle E - Juries › Chapter 62 - Petit Juries › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 62.0132. Juror Questionnaire

Sec. 62.0132.  JUROR QUESTIONNAIRE.  (a)  The Office of Court Administration of the Texas Judicial System shall develop and maintain a questionnaire to accompany a written jury summons.
(b)  Repealed by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 861 (H.B. 3474), Sec. 8.027, eff. September 1, 2023.
(c)  The questionnaire must require a person to provide biographical and demographic information that is relevant to service as a jury member, including the person's:
(1)  name, sex, race, and age;
(2)  residence address and mailing address;
(3)  education level, occupation, and place of employment;
(4)  marital status and the name, occupation, and place of employment of the person's spouse;
(5)  citizenship status and county of residence; and
(6)  any electronic address.
(d)  Except as provided by this subsection, a person who has received a jury summons shall complete and submit a juror questionnaire when the person reports for jury duty.  If the district and criminal district judges of a county adopt a plan for an electronic jury selection method under Section 62.011, the county may allow a person to complete and submit a juror questionnaire on the court's Internet website as authorized under Section 62.0111(b)(5).
(e)  In developing and maintaining the questionnaire required by this section, the Office of Court Administration of the Texas Judicial System shall solicit and consider the opinions of the members of the judiciary, district clerks, and attorneys.
(f)  Except as provided by Subsection (g), information contained in a completed questionnaire is confidential and is not subject to Chapter 552.
(g)  The information contained in a completed questionnaire may be disclosed to:
(1)  a judge assigned to hear a cause of action in which the respondent to the questionnaire is a potential juror;
(2)  court personnel;
(3)  a litigant and a litigant's attorney in a cause of action in which the respondent to the questionnaire is a potential juror; and
(4)  other than information provided that is related to Section 62.102(8) or (9), the voter registrar of a county in connection with any matter of voter registration or the administration of elections.
(h)  The questionnaire must notify a person that if the person states that the person is not a citizen, the person will no longer be eligible to vote if the person fails to provide proof of citizenship.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 539, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 683 (H.B. 174), Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2011.
Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 22 (S.B. 259), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2017.
Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 713 (H.B. 4034), Sec. 8, eff. June 12, 2017.
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 861 (H.B. 3474), Sec. 8.010, eff. September 1, 2023.
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 861 (H.B. 3474), Sec. 8.011, eff. September 1, 2023.
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 861 (H.B. 3474), Sec. 8.027, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle E - Juries › Chapter 62 - Petit Juries › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 62.014. Summons for Jury Service by Clerks, Sheriffs, or Bailiffs

Sec. 62.014.  SUMMONS FOR JURY SERVICE BY CLERKS, SHERIFFS, OR BAILIFFS.  (a)  In a county with at least nine district courts, the district judges may direct that prospective jurors be summoned for jury service by the clerk, the sheriff, or a bailiff, or an assistant or deputy bailiff, in charge of the central jury room and the general panel of the county.
(b)  A summons under this section to appear for jury service may be made verbally in person, by registered mail, by ordinary mail, or by any other method as determined by the district judges of the county.
(c)  Prospective jurors summoned under this section for service on the general jury panel serve as jurors in civil and criminal cases, and additional summons for service in criminal cases is not required.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Amended by:
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 861 (H.B. 3474), Sec. 8.012, eff. September 1, 2023.
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 861 (H.B. 3474), Sec. 8.013, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle E - Juries › Chapter 62 - Petit Juries › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 62.0141. Failure to Answer Jury Summons

Sec. 62.0141.  FAILURE TO ANSWER JURY SUMMONS.  In addition to any criminal penalty prescribed by law, a person summoned for jury service who does not comply with the summons as required by law or who knowingly provides false information in a request for an exemption or to be excused from jury service is subject to a contempt action punishable by a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $1,000.
Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 442, Sec. 3, eff. Jan. 1, 1992.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1360 (S.B. 1704), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2005.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle E - Juries › Chapter 62 - Petit Juries › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 62.0142. Notice on Written Summons

Sec. 62.0142.  NOTICE ON WRITTEN SUMMONS.  If a written summons for jury duty allows a person to claim a disqualification or exemption by signing a statement and returning it to the clerk of the court, the form must notify the person that by claiming a disqualification or exemption based on:
(1)  the lack of citizenship, the person will no longer be eligible to vote if the person fails to provide proof of citizenship; or
(2)  lack of residence in the county, the person might no longer be eligible to vote in the county.
Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 559 (H.B. 1271), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2005.
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 683 (H.B. 174), Sec. 6, eff. September 1, 2011.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle E - Juries › Chapter 62 - Petit Juries › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 62.0143. Postponement of Jury Service

Sec. 62.0143.  POSTPONEMENT OF JURY SERVICE.  (a)  A person summoned for jury service may request a postponement of the person's initial appearance for jury service.  The person may request the postponement by contacting the clerk of the court in person, in writing, or by telephone before the date on which the person is summoned to appear.
(b)  On receipt of a request under Subsection (a), the clerk of the court shall grant the person a postponement if:
(1)  the person has not been granted a postponement in that county during the one-year period preceding the date on which the person is summoned to appear; and
(2)  the person and the clerk determine a substitute date on which the person will appear for jury service that is not later than six months after the date on which the person was originally summoned to appear.
(c)  A person who receives a postponement under Subsection (b) may request a subsequent postponement in the manner described by Subsection (a).  The clerk of the court may approve the subsequent postponement only because of an extreme emergency that could not have been anticipated, such as a death in the person's family, sudden serious illness suffered by the person, or a natural disaster or national emergency in which the person is personally involved.  Before the clerk may grant the subsequent postponement, the person and the clerk must determine a substitute date on which the person will appear for jury service that is not later than six months after the date on which the person was to appear after the postponement under Subsection (b).
Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1360 (S.B. 1704), Sec. 4, eff. September 1, 2005.
Renumbered from Government Code, Section 62.0142 by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 921 (H.B. 3167), Sec. 17.001(26), eff. September 1, 2007.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle E - Juries › Chapter 62 - Petit Juries › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 62.0144. Postponement of Jury Service in Certain Counties

Sec. 62.0144.  POSTPONEMENT OF JURY SERVICE IN CERTAIN COUNTIES.  (a)  This section applies only to a county:
(1)  with a population of 1.4 million or more; and
(2)  that has within its boundaries at least two municipalities that each have a population of 300,000 or more.
(b)  A person summoned for jury service may request a postponement of the person's initial appearance for jury service.  The person may request the postponement by contacting the clerk of the court, or the court's designee, in person, in writing, or by telephone before the date on which the person is summoned to appear.
(c)  On receipt of a request under Subsection (b), the clerk of the court or the court's designee shall grant the person a postponement if:
(1)  the person has not been granted a postponement in that county since the date on which the jury wheel from which the person was selected to appear was most recently reconstituted; and
(2)  the person and the clerk or the court's designee determine a substitute date on which the person will appear for jury service that is not later than six months after the date on which the person was originally summoned to appear.
(d)  A person who receives a postponement under Subsection (c) may request subsequent postponements in the manner described by Subsection (b).  The clerk of the court or the court's designee may approve a subsequent postponement if the clerk or the court's designee determines that the person has a legitimate reason for requesting the postponement.  Before the clerk or the court's designee may grant the subsequent postponement, the person and the clerk or the court's designee must determine a substitute date on which the person will appear for jury service that is not later than six months after the date on which the person was to appear after the later of:
(1)  the postponement under Subsection (c); or
(2)  the most recent postponement granted under this subsection.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 140 (S.B. 399), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2007.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle E - Juries › Chapter 62 - Petit Juries › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 62.0145. Removal of Certain Persons From Pool of Prospective Jurors

Sec. 62.0145.  REMOVAL OF CERTAIN PERSONS FROM POOL OF PROSPECTIVE JURORS.  Except as provided by Section 62.0146, if a written summons for jury service sent by a clerk, sheriff, constable, or bailiff is undeliverable, the county or district clerk may remove from the jury wheel the jury wheel card for the person summoned or the district clerk, or in a county with a population of at least 1.7 million and in which more than 70 percent of the population resides in a single municipality, a bailiff appointed as provided under Section 62.019, may remove the person's name from the record of names for selection of persons for jury service under Section 62.011.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 777, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.  Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 571, Sec. 2, eff. June 11, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 609 (S.B. 681), Sec. 3, eff. June 16, 2015.
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 644 (H.B. 4559), Sec. 40, eff. September 1, 2023.
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 861 (H.B. 3474), Sec. 8.014, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle E - Juries › Chapter 62 - Petit Juries › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 62.0146. Updating Addresses of Certain Persons in Pool of Prospective Jurors

Sec. 62.0146.  UPDATING ADDRESSES OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN POOL OF PROSPECTIVE JURORS.  If a written summons for jury service sent by a clerk, sheriff, constable, or bailiff is returned with a notation from the United States Postal Service of a change of address for the person summoned, the county or district clerk may update the jury wheel card to reflect the person's new address.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 571, Sec. 3, eff. June 11, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 861 (H.B. 3474), Sec. 8.015, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle E - Juries › Chapter 62 - Petit Juries › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 62.0147. Means of Postponement of Jury Service in Certain Counties

Sec. 62.0147.  MEANS OF POSTPONEMENT OF JURY SERVICE IN CERTAIN COUNTIES.  (a)  This section applies only to a county that has:
(1)  a council of judges composed of the judges of the district courts and county courts at law; and
(2)  a designated jury duty court that addresses administrative matters related to jury service paid for by the county.
(b)  A person summoned for jury service may request a postponement of the person's initial appearance for jury service.  The person may request the postponement by contacting the council of judges' designee, in person, in writing, or by telephone before the date on which the person is summoned to appear.
(c)  On receipt of a request under Subsection (b), the council of judges' designee shall grant the person a postponement if:
(1)  the person has not been granted a postponement in that county since the date on which the jury wheel from which the person was selected to appear was most recently reconstituted; and
(2)  the designee and the person determine a substitute date on which the person will appear for jury service that is not later than six months after the date on which the person was originally summoned to appear.
(d)  A person who is granted a postponement under Subsection (c) may request additional postponements in the manner described by Subsection (b).  The council of judges' designee may grant an additional postponement if the designee and the person determine that the person has a legitimate reason for the postponement.  Before the designee may grant the additional postponement, the designee and the person must determine a date on which the person will appear for jury service that is not later than six months after the date on which the person was to appear after the later of the date of:
(1)  a postponement under Subsection (c); or
(2)  the last postponement granted under this subsection.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 89 (S.B. 1195), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2011.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle E - Juries › Chapter 62 - Petit Juries › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 62.015. Selection of Jury Panel

Sec. 62.015.  SELECTION OF JURY PANEL.  (a)  On the day that jurors appear for jury service in a justice, county, or district court, the judge, if jury trials have been set, shall select from the names on the jury lists a sufficient number of qualified jurors to serve on the jury panel.
(b)  If the court at any time does not have a sufficient number of prospective jurors present whose names are on the jury lists and who are not excused by the judge from jury service, the judge shall order the clerk, sheriff, or constable to summon additional prospective jurors to provide the requisite number of jurors for the panel.  The names of additional jurors to be summoned by the clerk, sheriff, or constable to fill a jury panel shall be drawn from the jury wheel under orders of the judge.  Additional jurors summoned to fill a jury panel shall be discharged when their services are no longer required.
(c)  The judge may order all or part of a panel of jurors to stand adjourned from jury service until a subsequent date in the term, but a juror may not be paid for the time that he stands adjourned from jury service.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.  Amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 7, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 1991;  Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 36, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Amended by:
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 861 (H.B. 3474), Sec. 8.016, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle E - Juries › Chapter 62 - Petit Juries › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 62.018. Quarters for General Panels

Sec. 62.018.  QUARTERS FOR GENERAL PANELS.  (a)  The commissioners court of a county that uses an interchangeable general jury panel shall provide a comfortable place in or near the county courthouse for the use and convenience of the persons on the panel.
(b)  The persons on the panel shall stay in or conveniently near the place provided for them when not in service so that they are at all times subject to service in a court as provided by this subchapter without delaying the proceedings of the court.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle E - Juries › Chapter 62 - Petit Juries › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 62.019. Bailiffs for General Panels

Sec. 62.019.  BAILIFFS FOR GENERAL PANELS.  (a)  Except as provided by this section, the sheriff of a county that uses an interchangeable general jury panel shall assign one of his deputies to take care of the persons on the panel, provide for their wants, and call them as their services are required by the judges of the courts using the interchangeable jury panel.  The assigned deputy has general control of the persons on the panel when they are not in actual service as jurors.
(b)  In a county with at least nine district courts, a majority of the district judges, with the approval of the commissioners court, may appoint a bailiff, and the assistant or deputy bailiffs that the judges consider necessary, to be in charge of the central jury room and the general panel.  If the district judges in such a county appoint a bailiff and the necessary assistant or deputy bailiffs, the sheriff may not assign a deputy to the central jury room and the general panel.  If the district judges do not appoint a bailiff to be in charge of the central jury room and the general panel, the sheriff shall perform the duties in connection with the jury room and general panel as provided by law.
(c)  A bailiff or assistant or deputy bailiff appointed by the district judges serves a two-year term beginning January 1 of each odd-numbered year.  The salary of each is set by the commissioners court on the recommendation of the district judges.
(d)  The bailiffs and assistant and deputy bailiffs appointed by the district judges shall take care of the general panel and perform the duties in connection with the supervision of the central jury room and the general panel that are required by the district judges.  They may notify prospective jurors whose names are drawn from the jury wheel or selected by other means provided by law to appear for jury service and may serve notices on absent jurors as directed by the district judge having control of the general jury panel.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle E - Juries › Chapter 62 - Petit Juries › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 62.020. Alternate Jurors

Sec. 62.020.  ALTERNATE JURORS.  (a)  In district court, the judge may direct that not more than four jurors in addition to the regular jury be called and impaneled to sit as alternate jurors.
(b)  In county court, the judge may direct that not more than two jurors in addition to the regular jury be called and impaneled to sit as alternate jurors.
(c)  Alternate jurors shall be drawn and selected in the same manner as regular jurors.  An alternate juror must meet the same qualifications, is subject to the same examination and challenges, shall take the same oath, has the same functions, powers, and privileges, and shall be accorded the same facilities and security as a regular juror.
(d)  In the order in which they are called, alternate jurors shall replace jurors who, prior to the time the jury retires to consider its verdict, become or are found to be unable or disqualified to perform their duties.  An alternate juror who does not replace a regular juror shall be discharged after the jury retires to consider its verdict.
(e)  Each side is entitled to one peremptory challenge in addition to those otherwise allowed by law or by rule if one or two alternate jurors are to be impaneled.  Each side is entitled to two peremptory challenges in addition to those otherwise allowed by law or by rule if three or four alternate jurors are to be impaneled.  The additional peremptory challenges may be used against an alternate juror only, and the other peremptory challenges allowed by law or by rule may not be used against an alternate juror.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle E - Juries › Chapter 62 - Petit Juries › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 62.021. Dismissal of Juror Removed From Panel

Sec. 62.021.  DISMISSAL OF JUROR REMOVED FROM PANEL.  In a county with a population of 2.5 million or more, a prospective juror removed from a jury panel for cause, by peremptory challenge or for any other reason, must be dismissed from jury service.  After dismissal, the person may not be placed on another jury panel until the person's name is returned to the jury wheel and drawn again for jury service.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.  Amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 597, Sec. 70, eff. Sept. 1, 1991.
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1163 (H.B. 2702), Sec. 20, eff. September 1, 2011.
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 644 (H.B. 4559), Sec. 41, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle E - Juries › Chapter 62 - Petit Juries › Subchapter B. Juror Qualifications › Section 62.101. Jury Service

Sec. 62.101.  JURY SERVICE.  All individuals are competent petit jurors unless disqualified under this subchapter and are liable for jury service except as otherwise provided by this subchapter.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle E - Juries › Chapter 62 - Petit Juries › Subchapter B. Juror Qualifications › Section 62.102. General Qualifications for Jury Service

Sec. 62.102.  GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS FOR JURY SERVICE.  A person is disqualified to serve as a petit juror unless the person:
(1)  is at least 18 years of age;
(2)  is a citizen of the United States;
(3)  is a resident of this state and of the county in which the person is to serve as a juror;
(4)  is qualified under the constitution and laws to vote in the county in which the person is to serve as a juror;
(5)  is of sound mind and good moral character;
(6)  is able to read and write;
(7)  has not served as a petit juror for six days during the preceding three months in the county court or during the preceding six months in the district court;
(8)  has not been convicted of misdemeanor theft or a felony; and
(9)  is not under indictment or other legal accusation for misdemeanor theft or a felony.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 801 (S.B. 451), Sec. 4, eff. September 1, 2005.
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 568 (H.B. 2747), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle E - Juries › Chapter 62 - Petit Juries › Subchapter B. Juror Qualifications › Section 62.103. Suspension of General Qualifications

Sec. 62.103.  SUSPENSION OF GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS.  (a)  A court may suspend the qualification for jury service that requires a person to be able to read and write if it appears to the court that the requisite number of jurors able to read and write cannot be found in the county.
(b)  A court may suspend the qualification for jury service that requires a person to have less than six days of service as a petit juror during the preceding three months in the county court or during the preceding six months in the district court if it appears to the court that the county's sparse population makes its enforcement seriously inconvenient.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle E - Juries › Chapter 62 - Petit Juries › Subchapter B. Juror Qualifications › Section 62.1031. Failure to Register to Vote

Sec. 62.1031.  FAILURE TO REGISTER TO VOTE.  Failure to register to vote does not disqualify a person from jury service.
Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 132, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle E - Juries › Chapter 62 - Petit Juries › Subchapter B. Juror Qualifications › Section 62.104. Disqualification for Legal Blindness

Sec. 62.104.  DISQUALIFICATION FOR LEGAL BLINDNESS.  (a)  A person who is legally blind is not disqualified to serve as a juror in a civil case solely because of his legal blindness except as provided by this section.
(b)  A legally blind person is disqualified to serve as a juror in a civil case if, in the opinion of the court, his blindness renders him unfit to serve as a juror in that particular case.
(c)  In this section, "legally blind" means having:
(1)  no more than 20/200 of visual acuity in the better eye with correcting lenses;  or
(2)  visual acuity greater than 20/200, but with a limitation in the field of vision such that the widest diameter of the visual field subtends an angle no greater than 20 degrees.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle E - Juries › Chapter 62 - Petit Juries › Subchapter B. Juror Qualifications › Section 62.1041. Deaf or Hard of Hearing Juror

Sec. 62.1041.  DEAF OR HARD OF HEARING JUROR.  (a)  A deaf or hard of hearing person is not disqualified to serve as a juror solely because of hearing loss except as provided by this section.
(b)  A deaf or hard of hearing person is disqualified to serve as a juror if, in the opinion of the court, his hearing loss renders him unfit to serve as a juror in that particular case.
(c)  A deaf or hard of hearing person serving as a juror shall be reasonably accommodated in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. Section 12101 et seq.).  An interpreter who is assisting a deaf or hard of hearing person serving as a juror may accompany the juror during all proceedings and deliberations in the case.
(d)  If an interpreter is provided to a deaf or hard of hearing person serving as a juror in a district, county, or justice court, the county shall pay the cost of obtaining those services.
(e)  A deaf or hard of hearing juror may request an auxiliary aid or service for a municipal court proceeding.  The city shall honor the request unless the city can demonstrate that another effective means of communication exists.  The city shall pay the cost unless the auxiliary aid or service will result in a fundamental alteration of the municipal court proceeding or in undue financial or administrative burdens.
(f)  In this section, "deaf or hard of hearing" means having a hearing impairment, regardless of the existence of a speech impairment, that inhibits comprehension of an examination or proceeding or communication with others.
Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 550, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.  Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 271, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle E - Juries › Chapter 62 - Petit Juries › Subchapter B. Juror Qualifications › Section 62.105. Disqualification for Particular Jury

Sec. 62.105.  DISQUALIFICATION FOR PARTICULAR JURY.  A person is disqualified to serve as a petit juror in a particular case if he:
(1)  is a witness in the case;
(2)  is interested, directly or indirectly, in the subject matter of the case;
(3)  is related by consanguinity or affinity within the third degree, as determined under Chapter 573, to a party in the case;
(4)  has a bias or prejudice in favor of or against a party in the case;  or
(5)  has served as a petit juror in a former trial of the same case or in another case involving the same questions of fact.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.  Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 148, Sec. 2.81, eff. Sept. 1, 1987;  Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 561, Sec. 23, eff. Aug. 26, 1991;  Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 76, Sec. 5.95(28), eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle E - Juries › Chapter 62 - Petit Juries › Subchapter B. Juror Qualifications › Section 62.106. Exemption From Jury Service

Sec. 62.106.  EXEMPTION FROM JURY SERVICE.  (a)  A person qualified to serve as a petit juror may establish an exemption from jury service if the person:
(1)  is over 75 years of age;
(2)  has legal custody of a child younger than 12 years of age and the person's service on the jury requires leaving the child without adequate supervision;
(3)  is a student of a public or private secondary school;
(4)  is a person enrolled and in actual attendance at an institution of higher education;
(5)  is an officer or an employee of the senate, the house of representatives, or any department, commission, board, office, or other agency in the legislative branch of state government;
(6)  is summoned for service in a county with a population of at least 200,000, unless that county uses a jury plan under Section 62.011 and the period authorized under Section 62.011(b)(5) exceeds two years, and the person has served as a petit juror in the county during the 24-month period preceding the date the person is to appear for jury service;
(7)  is the primary caretaker of a person who is unable to care for himself or herself;
(8)  except as provided by Subsection (b), is summoned for service in a county with a population of at least 250,000 and the person has served as a petit juror in the county during the three-year period preceding the date the person is to appear for jury service; or
(9)  is a member of the United States military forces serving on active duty and deployed to a location away from the person's home station and out of the person's county of residence.
(b)  Subsection (a)(8) does not apply if the jury wheel in the county has been reconstituted after the date the person served as a petit juror.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.  Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 733, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 31, 1987;  Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 798, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 31, 1987;  Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 2, Sec. 8.35, eff. Aug. 28, 1989;  Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 442, Sec. 4, eff. Jan. 1, 1992;  Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 9.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1997;  Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 686, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997;  Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 640, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1999;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 153, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 599 (H.B. 319), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1022 (H.B. 2717), Sec. 2, eff. June 17, 2011.
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1010 (H.B. 866), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2015.
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 185 (H.B. 2015), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2023.
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 861 (H.B. 3474), Sec. 8.020, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle E - Juries › Chapter 62 - Petit Juries › Subchapter B. Juror Qualifications › Section 62.107. Procedures for Establishing Exemptions

Sec. 62.107.  PROCEDURES FOR ESTABLISHING EXEMPTIONS.  (a)  A person who is notified to appear for jury service may establish an exemption from the service under Section 62.106 without appearing in person by filing a signed statement of the ground of his exemption with the clerk of the court before the date on which he is summoned to appear.
(b)  A person may also claim an exemption from jury service under Section 62.106 by filing with the sheriff, voter registrar, or district or county clerk of the county of the person's residence a sworn statement that sets forth the ground of and claims the exemption.  The name of a person who claims an exemption by filing the sworn statement may not be placed in the jury wheel for the ensuing year.
(c)  A person who files a statement with a clerk of the court, as provided by Subsection (a), claiming an exemption because the person is over 75 years of age, may also claim the permanent exemption on that ground authorized by Section 62.108 by including in the statement filed with the clerk a declaration that the person desires the permanent exemption.  Promptly after a statement claiming a permanent exemption on the basis of age is filed, the clerk of the court with whom it is filed shall have a copy delivered to the voter registrar of the county.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 686, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 24 (S.B. 85), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2011.
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 185 (H.B. 2015), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2023.
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 861 (H.B. 3474), Sec. 8.021, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle E - Juries › Chapter 62 - Petit Juries › Subchapter B. Juror Qualifications › Section 62.108. Permanent Exemption for Elderly

Sec. 62.108.  PERMANENT EXEMPTION FOR ELDERLY.  (a)  A person who is entitled to exemption from jury service because the person is over 75 years of age may establish a permanent exemption on that ground as provided by this section or Section 62.107.
(b)  A person may claim a permanent exemption:
(1)  by filing with the voter registrar of the county, by mail or personal delivery, a signed statement affirming that the person is over 75 years of age and desires a permanent exemption on that ground; or
(2)  in the manner provided by Section 62.107(c).
(c)  The voter registrar of the county shall maintain a current register indicating the name of each person who has claimed and is entitled to a permanent exemption from jury service because the person is over 75 years of age.
(d)  The name of a person on the register of persons permanently exempt from jury service may not be placed in the jury wheel or otherwise used in preparing the record of names from which a jury is selected.
(e)  A person who has claimed a permanent exemption from jury service because the person is over 75 years of age may rescind the exemption at any time by filing a signed request for the rescission with the voter registrar of the county.  Rescission of a permanent exemption does not affect the right of a person who is over 75 years of age to claim permanent exemption at a later time.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 686, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 24 (S.B. 85), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2011.
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 185 (H.B. 2015), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2023.
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 861 (H.B. 3474), Sec. 8.022, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle E - Juries › Chapter 62 - Petit Juries › Subchapter B. Juror Qualifications › Section 62.110. Judicial Excuse of Juror

Sec. 62.110.  JUDICIAL EXCUSE OF JUROR.  (a)  Except as provided by this section, a court may hear any reasonable sworn excuse of a prospective juror, including any claim of an exemption or a lack of qualification, and if the excuse is considered sufficient shall release him from jury service entirely or until another day of the term, as appropriate.
(b)  Pursuant to a plan approved by the commissioners court of the county in the same manner as a plan is approved for jury selection under Section 62.011, the court's designee may:
(1)  hear any reasonable excuse of a prospective juror, including any claim of an exemption or a lack of qualification; and
(2)  discharge the juror or release him from jury service until a specified day of the term, as appropriate, if:
(A)  the excuse is considered sufficient;  and
(B)  the juror submits to the court's designee a statement of the ground of the exemption or lack of qualification or other excuse.
(c)  The court or the court's designee as provided by this section may not excuse a prospective juror for an economic reason unless each party of record is present and approves the release of the juror for that reason.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.  Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 589, Sec. 3, eff. Aug. 31, 1987;  Acts 1987, 70th Leg., 2nd C.S., ch. 43, Sec. 4, eff. Oct. 20, 1987.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 905 (H.B. 75), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2005.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle E - Juries › Chapter 62 - Petit Juries › Subchapter B. Juror Qualifications › Section 62.111. Penalty for Defaulting Jurors

Sec. 62.111.  PENALTY FOR DEFAULTING JURORS.  A juror lawfully notified shall be fined not less than $100 nor more than $500 if the juror:
(1)  fails to attend court in obedience to the notice without reasonable excuse; or
(2)  files a false claim of exemption from jury service.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 640 (H.B. 1665), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle E - Juries › Chapter 62 - Petit Juries › Subchapter B. Juror Qualifications › Section 62.112. Excuse of Juror for Religious Holy Day

Sec. 62.112.  EXCUSE OF JUROR FOR RELIGIOUS HOLY DAY.  (a)  In this section:
(1)  "Religious organization" means an organization that meets the standards for qualification as a religious organization under Section 11.20, Tax Code.
(2)  "Religious holy day" means a day on which the tenets of a religious organization prohibit its members from participating in secular activities, such as court proceedings.
(b)  If a prospective juror is required to appear at a court proceeding on a religious holy day observed by the prospective juror, the court or the court's designee shall release the prospective juror from jury service entirely or until another day of the term.  If the court determines that a term of a court proceeding may extend to cover a day on which a religious holy day is observed by the prospective juror, the court or the court's designee shall release the prospective juror from jury service entirely or until another day of the term.
(c)  A prospective juror who seeks to be released from jury service may be required to file with the court an affidavit stating:
(1)  the grounds for the release;  and
(2)  that the juror holds religious beliefs that prohibit him from taking part in a court proceeding on the day for which the release from jury duty is sought.
Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 589, Sec. 4, eff. Aug. 31, 1987;  Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 825, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle E - Juries › Chapter 62 - Petit Juries › Subchapter B. Juror Qualifications › Section 62.113. Compilation of List of Noncitizens

Sec. 62.113.  COMPILATION OF LIST OF NONCITIZENS.  (a)  The clerk of the court shall maintain a list of the name and address of each person who is excused or disqualified under this subchapter from jury service because the person is not a citizen of the United States.
(b)  On the third business day of each month, the clerk shall send a copy of the list of persons excused or disqualified because of citizenship in the previous month to:
(1)  the voter registrar of the county;
(2)  the secretary of state; and
(3)  the county or district attorney for an investigation of whether the person committed an offense under Section 13.007, Election Code, or other law.
(c)  A list compiled under this section may not be used for a purpose other than a purpose described by Subsection (b) or Section 16.0332 or 18.068, Election Code.
(d)  A person commits an offense if the person violates Subsection (c).  An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
(e)  The information required to be filed with the secretary of state under this section must be filed electronically.  The secretary of state may waive this requirement on application for a waiver submitted by the clerk.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 640, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 683 (H.B. 174), Sec. 7, eff. September 1, 2011.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1178 (S.B. 910), Sec. 22, eff. September 1, 2013.
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., 2nd C.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 1), Sec. 2.10, eff. December 2, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle E - Juries › Chapter 62 - Petit Juries › Subchapter B. Juror Qualifications › Section 62.114. Compilation of List of Nonresidents

Sec. 62.114.  COMPILATION OF LIST OF NONRESIDENTS.  (a)  The  clerk of the court shall maintain a list containing the name and address of each person who is excused or disqualified under this subchapter from jury service because the person is not a resident of the county.
(b)  On the third business day of each month, the clerk shall send a copy of the list of persons excused or disqualified in the previous month because the persons do not reside in the county to:
(1)  the voter registrar of the county; and
(2)  the secretary of state.
(c)  A list compiled under this section may not be used for a purpose other than a purpose described by Subsection (b) or Section 15.081 or 18.068, Election Code.
(d)  The voter registrar shall notify each person contained on a list sent to the registrar under Subsection (b) at the address shown on the person's jury summons that the person is being placed on the county's suspense list of registered voters because of the person's excuse or disqualification from jury service based on nonresidence in the county.  The notice must include information describing how the person may be removed from the suspense list and restored to regular voter registration in the county.
Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 559 (H.B. 1271), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2005.
Amended by:
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., 2nd C.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 1), Sec. 2.11, eff. December 2, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle E - Juries › Chapter 62 - Petit Juries › Subchapter B. Juror Qualifications › Section 62.115. Compilation of List of Convicted Persons

Sec. 62.115.  COMPILATION OF LIST OF CONVICTED PERSONS.  (a)  The clerk of the court shall maintain a list of the name and address of each person who is disqualified under this subchapter from jury service because the person was convicted of misdemeanor theft or a felony.
(b)  A person who was convicted of misdemeanor theft or a felony shall be permanently disqualified from serving as a juror.  A person is exempt from this section if the person:
(1)  was placed on deferred adjudication and received a dismissal and discharge in accordance with Article 42A.111, Code of Criminal Procedure;
(2)  was placed on community supervision and the period of community supervision was terminated early under Article 42A.701, Code of Criminal Procedure; or
(3)  was pardoned or has had the person's civil rights restored.
(c)  The district clerk may remove from the jury wheel the jury wheel card for the person whose name appears on the list.
(d)  On the third business day of each month, the clerk shall send to the secretary of state a copy of the list of persons disqualified because of a conviction of misdemeanor theft or a felony in the preceding month.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 861 (H.B. 3474), Sec. 8.024, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle E - Juries › Chapter 62 - Petit Juries › Subchapter C. District Court Juries › Section 62.201. Number of Jurors

Sec. 62.201.  NUMBER OF JURORS.  The jury in a district court is composed of 12 persons, except that the parties may agree to try a particular case with fewer than 12 jurors.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle E - Juries › Chapter 62 - Petit Juries › Subchapter C. District Court Juries › Section 62.202. Meals During Jury Deliberation

Sec. 62.202.  MEALS DURING JURY DELIBERATION.  (a)  In a county in which the commissioners court has approved payment by the county for meals for jurors who are serving on a jury in a civil case, a district judge may keep the jurors together for deliberation to expedite the final disposition of a civil case in the district court instead of dismissing the jurors for meals.
(b)  The district judge may draw a warrant on the jury fund or other appropriate fund of the county in which the civil case is tried to cover the cost of buying and transporting the meals to the jury room.  The judge may spend a reasonable amount per meal for a juror serving on a jury in a civil case.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Amended by:
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 934 (H.B. 3774), Sec. 11.02, eff. September 1, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle E - Juries › Chapter 62 - Petit Juries › Subchapter D. County Court and Justice Court Juries › Section 62.301. Number of Jurors

Sec. 62.301.  NUMBER OF JURORS.  The jury in the county courts and in the justice courts is composed of six persons except as provided by the constitution or other law.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.  Amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 424, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 696 (S.B. 2342), Sec. 33, eff. September 1, 2020.