A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to jury challenges for cause in criminal cases.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION .  Article 35.16, Code of Criminal Procedure, is amended by amending Subsection (b) to read as follows:

(b)  A challenge for cause may be made by the State for any of the following reasons:

1.  That the juror has conscientious scruples in regard to the infliction of the punishment of death for crime, in a capital case, where the State is seeking the death penalty; or

2.  That he is related within the third degree of consanguinity or affinity, as determined under Chapter 573, Government Code, to the defendant[; and

[3.  That he has a bias or prejudice against any phase of the law upon which the State is entitled to rely for conviction or punishment].

SECTION .  The change in law made by this Act applies only to a jury empaneled on or after the effective date of this Act.

SECTION .  This Act takes effect September 1, 1999.