Bill Summary for H 522 (2021-2022)

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Summary date: 

Jun 23 2021

Bill Information:

View NCGA Bill Details2021
House Bill 522 (Public) Filed Thursday, April 8, 2021
AN ACT TO MODIFY THE PROVISIONS REGULATING THE SERVICE AND RELEASE OF ALTERNATE JURORS.
Intro. by Yarborough, Stevens, Zachary.

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Bill summary

Senate committee substitute to the 1st edition adds the following content.

Amends GS 15A-1221 to no longer provide for alternate jurors who have not been seated to be excused upon the jury retiring to deliberate in a jury trial.

Amends GS 15A-1340.16 to permit alternate jurors to become jurors at any time prior to rendering a decision to the court regarding whether one or more aggravating factors exist with regard to sentencing. Requires the court to instruct the jury to begin its deliberations anew if an alternate juror replaces a juror after deliberations have begun. Prohibits more than 12 jurors from participating in jury deliberations.

Amends GS 20-179 to make substantively identical changes regarding alternate jurors becoming jurors at any time prior to rendering a decision on the existence of one or more aggravating factors with regard to impaired driving sentencing as those made to GS 15A-1340.16.

Maintains the act's effective date of October 1, 2021.