H.B. No. 4749 amends the Code of Criminal Procedure and the Government Code to update the qualifications for serving as a grand juror and a petit juror, particularly in counties with populations of less than 1,000. The bill introduces new provisions that allow individuals who are residents of contiguous counties and qualified to vote in those counties to serve as jurors, even if they do not reside in the summoning county. Specifically, it adds Subsections (a-1) to Articles 19A.101 and 19A.201, which outline these qualifications, and modifies the jury wheel reconstitution process to include names from contiguous counties.

Additionally, the bill clarifies the sources for reconstituting the jury wheel, allowing for the inclusion of voter registration lists and identification card holders from neighboring counties. It also specifies that certain disqualifications for jury service do not apply to individuals from smaller counties, thereby expanding the pool of potential jurors. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will only apply to individuals summoned for jury service after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 62.001, Government Code 15.081, Government Code 62.102 (Government Code 62, Government Code 15)
House Committee Report: Government Code 62.001, Government Code 15.081, Government Code 62.102 (Government Code 62, Government Code 15)
Engrossed: Government Code 62.001, Government Code 15.081, Government Code 62.102 (Government Code 62, Government Code 15)
Senate Committee Report: Government Code 62.001, Government Code 15.081, Government Code 62.102 (Government Code 62, Government Code 15)
Enrolled: Government Code 62.001, Government Code 15.081, Government Code 62.014, Government Code 62.102 (Government Code 62, Government Code 15)