H.B. No. 2637 amends the Code of Criminal Procedure and the Government Code to enhance the processes for summoning jurors and clarifying exemptions from jury service. The bill replaces the term "excuses" with "exemptions" to better define the criteria for individuals who may be exempt from service. A significant addition is the provision allowing individuals aged 75 and older to claim a permanent exemption from grand jury service through a signed statement filed with the district clerk. The bill also requires the maintenance of lists of disqualified individuals based on felony convictions and other criteria, ensuring that these individuals are not summoned for jury duty.

Additionally, the bill revises the qualifications for grand jurors, implementing stricter disqualifications related to felony convictions and establishing a process for the district clerk to manage and report lists of disqualified individuals. It mandates that the district clerk maintain a current register of those entitled to permanent exemptions due to age and prepare monthly updates for the secretary of state regarding exemptions claimed or rescinded. The bill also clarifies the exemption request process and includes provisions for maintaining lists of individuals disqualified due to citizenship or residency issues. These changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will apply to individuals summoned for jury service on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 62.001, Government Code 62.0132, Government Code 62.102, Government Code 62.106, Government Code 62.107, Government Code 62.108, Government Code 62.109, Government Code 62.113, Government Code 13.007, Government Code 62.115 (Government Code 13, Government Code 62)
House Committee Report: Government Code 62.001, Government Code 62.0132, Government Code 62.102, Government Code 62.106, Government Code 62.107, Government Code 62.108, Government Code 62.109, Government Code 62.113, Government Code 13.007, Government Code 62.115 (Government Code 13, Government Code 62)
Engrossed: Government Code 62.001, Government Code 62.0132, Government Code 62.102, Government Code 62.106, Government Code 62.107, Government Code 62.108, Government Code 62.109, Government Code 62.113, Government Code 13.007, Government Code 62.115 (Government Code 13, Government Code 62)
Senate Committee Report: Government Code 62.001, Government Code 62.0132, Government Code 62.102, Government Code 62.106, Government Code 62.107, Government Code 62.108, Government Code 62.109, Government Code 62.113, Government Code 13.007, Government Code 62.115 (Government Code 13, Government Code 62)
Enrolled: Government Code 62.001, Government Code 62.0132, Government Code 62.102, Government Code 62.106, Government Code 62.107, Government Code 62.108, Government Code 62.109, Government Code 62.113, Government Code 13.007, Government Code 62.115 (Government Code 13, Government Code 62)