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Committee backs bill allowing polling of juries after a hung verdict
Summary
House Bill 292, sponsored by Representative Knox, would allow polling of juries after a mistrial to help parties understand why jurors failed to reach agreement; the Senate Judiciary C committee reported the bill favorably after testimony from prosecutors and judges.
The Senate Judiciary C committee reported House Bill 292 favorably after supporters said the bill would let defense and prosecution better understand the reasons behind hung juries and assist decisions about retrial.
Representative Knox, the sponsor, described HB 292 as establishing standards and procedures for polling juries after a mistrial caused by a hung jury. Zach Daniels, executive director of the Louisiana District Attorneys Association, testified the measure would allow prosecutors to make informed decisions about retrial by understanding whether 10 or 11 jurors were opposed to conviction; Daniels said the tool would also help both parties prepare for retrial. Judge Glenn Ansardi and the Louisiana District Judges Association provided a written white-card endorsement and told the committee the bill would reduce the need for ad-hoc hearings when jurors were not polled at the time a jury was hung.
Several district attorneys and judges registered support; no opposition was recorded and Senator Barrow moved to report the bill favorably. There were no objections and the bill was reported favorably.
Supporters said the bill is procedural, intended to reduce wasted court time and to give both sides better information for charging and trial decisions. The committee recorded the measure as reported favorably and it will move to the full Senate.
