S.B. No. 1630 introduces new training requirements for prospective grand jurors in Texas, mandating that they complete a course on grand jury proceedings before being accepted and impaneled. This training, outlined in the newly added Article 19A.1021 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, will cover essential topics such as the purpose of grand jury service, the selection process, and the procedures involved. Additionally, the Office of Court Administration is tasked with adopting rules to implement this training requirement.

The bill also revises existing provisions related to grand jury investigations, including a prohibition against investigating individuals for the same offense without new material evidence. It clarifies that only statements made by the grand jury or the state's attorney need to be recorded, while deliberations remain unrecorded. Furthermore, it enhances the rights of accused individuals regarding evidence discovery and includes provisions for the confidentiality of victim and witness information. The new rules will take effect for grand jury proceedings starting on or after September 1, 2025, ensuring that ongoing cases are not retroactively affected by these changes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: ()