The proposed bill would update current statutes regarding jury service by allowing qualified jurors the option to serve as temporary election workers instead of fulfilling their jury obligations. Specifically, it would insert provisions that permit the jury commissioner to offer this option to jurors who receive a summons between 120 to 90 days before a primary election. Additionally, it 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 requires the county officer to process these names similarly to election board appointments. The bill also adds the completion of service as a temporary election worker to the list of actions that fulfill a jury service obligation, allowing jurors who have served in this capacity within 180 days prior to receiving a jury summons to be excused from jury duty.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new provisions for electronic training for prospective temporary election workers and requires the county officer to notify the jury commissioner upon completion of their service. It modifies existing language by replacing outdated terms and clarifying procedures, such as the notification process for jurors whose mail is undeliverable. The updates aim to streamline the juror summoning process and enhance the efficiency of election worker recruitment, while ensuring adequate staffing for elections.

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