This bill amends the Revised Judicature Act of 1961 by updating the qualifications for jurors and introducing new provisions regarding jury selection. Key changes include the requirement that jurors must not be currently incarcerated or on probation or parole, rather than simply not having a felony conviction. Additionally, individuals over 70 years old, nursing mothers, and service members or their spouses can claim exemptions from jury service, with specific documentation required for verification. The bill also clarifies that a juror is considered to have served if they have been compensated for their service.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new sections that prohibit disqualifying jurors based solely on their criminal records, unless the conviction is for a crime similar to the one being tried. It establishes protections against the improper exclusion of jurors based on their protected status, allowing parties to object to peremptory challenges that may be discriminatory. The court is tasked with evaluating the reasons for such challenges and has a rebuttable presumption of invalidity if certain criteria are met, aiming to address historical discrimination in jury selection processes. The bill is set to take effect one year after its enactment.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 600.1307