The proposed bill would update current statutes by allowing qualified jurors the option to serve as temporary election workers instead of fulfilling their jury obligations. Specifically, it would insert provisions enabling the jury commissioner to offer this option to jurors who receive a summons between 120 to 90 days before a primary election. The bill mandates that the jury commissioner submit the names of interested jurors to the county officer in charge of elections no later than 90 days before the general election, and that the county officer process these names similarly to election board appointments. Additionally, it would add the completion of service as a temporary election worker to the list of actions that fulfill a jury service obligation, allowing jurors to be excused from service if they provide proof of having served as election workers within 180 days prior to receiving a jury summons.

Moreover, the bill modifies the current process for jurors who fail to appear for their summons, specifying that they will be resummoned without the risk of a body attachment or fine unless they fail to respond to a second notice. It introduces new provisions for the county officer to determine the qualifications of prospective jurors for election work and to appoint them as temporary election board workers, including the option for web-based training. The county officer would also be required to notify the jury commissioner upon the completion of their service, ensuring a streamlined process that provides flexibility for jurors during election periods.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 21-331
Senate Engrossed Version: 16-531.01, 21-202, 21-331, 21-332, 16-531, 21-334, 21-223, 21-301, 16-166