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. Additionally, it specifies that grand jurors in these smaller counties may be randomly selected from a fair cross-section of the population of contiguous counties, provided they hold valid identification and meet other qualifications.

The bill also revises the process for reconstituting the jury wheel, allowing for the inclusion of names from contiguous counties in addition to the current voter registration lists. It clarifies that certain disqualifications for jury service, such as those related to age, citizenship, and legal status, still apply, but with the new provisions, individuals from neighboring counties can participate in jury service. The changes are set to take effect on September 1, 2025, and will only apply to individuals summoned for jury service on or 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)