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HB 745

Relating to an exemption from jury service for certain crime victims or close relatives of deceased crime victims.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Joanne Shofner and 2 co-sponsors

Texas bill exempts crime victims and relatives of deceased victims from jury duty to prevent trauma and conflicts of interest in judicial proceedings.

Referred to Criminal Justice
#crimevictims(s0046) #courts--juries(i0145)
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Bill Summary · HB 745

Legislative bill overview

HB 745 would exempt crime victims and close relatives of deceased crime victims from mandatory jury service in Texas. The bill recognizes the potential hardship and trauma that serving on juries could impose on individuals directly affected by criminal acts, allowing them to decline participation without penalty.

Why is this important

Jury service is a civic duty, but requiring trauma survivors to participate in trials—particularly those involving similar crimes—could cause psychological harm and create conflicts of interest. This exemption balances the justice system's need for impartial jurors with compassion for vulnerable populations while maintaining the availability of qualified jurors from the broader population.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition scope: The bill's specific definition of "close relatives" and what qualifies as "crime victims" could be ambiguous, potentially leading to inconsistent application across courts and disputes over eligibility
  • Jury pool impact: Broad exemptions could reduce the available jury pool in jurisdictions with high crime rates, potentially affecting trial scheduling and jury diversity
  • Verification burden: Courts would need mechanisms to verify victim status and relationship claims, creating administrative costs and potential for fraud without clear documentation requirements

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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