The proposed bill would update current statutes regarding jury service by introducing new provisions that allow qualified jurors to opt to serve as temporary election workers instead of fulfilling their jury duty. Specifically, it would insert language permitting jurors summoned between 120 to 90 days before a primary election to choose this alternative. The jury commissioner would be required to submit the names of those who opt for this option to the county officer in charge of elections no later than 90 days before the general election. Additionally, the bill 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 jury duty if they provide proof of having served within 180 days prior to receiving a jury summons.

Moreover, the bill would create a new section, 16-531.01, which allows the county officer in charge of elections to determine the qualifications for temporary election board worker positions and mandates that training for these workers can be conducted electronically. It also clarifies that proof of service can be provided by the county and updates the process for resummoning jurors who fail to appear. Minor adjustments to existing language, such as replacing "web site" with "website," would also be made for clarity. Overall, these updates aim to enhance the efficiency of both jury service and election operations.

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