HBA-MPA H.B. 142 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 142 By: Keel Criminal Jurisprudence 2/3/1999 Introduced BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Currently, when an attorney questions potential jurors about their ability to follow the law based upon the evidence in criminal cases, the attorney may not know whether or not evidence that is the subject of pre-trial motions to suppress or other motions will be admissible. H.B. 142 entitles an attorney representing a defendant to get a ruling on such issues, if the appropriate motions have been timely filed, before questioning potential jurors summoned for jury service in a criminal case. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 1, Article 28.01, Code of Criminal Procedure, to require that a court set a pre-trial hearing in a criminal case, upon the timely request of the defendant's attorney. Provides that the hearing must be completed before examination of prospective jurors (voir dire) under Article 35.17, Code of Criminal Procedure, to determine their qualification and suitability can begin. SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1999. Makes application of this Act prospective. SECTION 3. Emergency clause.