SB 645: Juries: peremptory challenges.

The bill aims to amend and repeal a section of the code of civil procedure relating to juries. It prohibits the use of peremptory challenges to remove a prospective juror based on their race, ethnicity, or gender, and requires parties to state reasons for exercising such a challenge. The court evaluates these reasons and may take actions, including starting a new jury selection or providing a remedy, if the challenge is deemed discriminatory. The bill extends this prohibition to civil cases indefinitely, except for those involving civil rights violations or civil commitment. It also requires parties to notify the court and other parties of the applicability of these provisions in civil cases. Additionally, the bill limits the court's consideration of counsel's office use of peremptory challenges to when the counsel's office is a public entity.