The bill amends the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, specifically section 1307a, to update the criteria for juror qualification and to expand the exemptions from jury service. Key insertions include provisions that allow individuals over 70 years of age, nursing mothers, participants in the address confidentiality program, service members of the U.S. Armed Forces, their spouses, familial caretakers of hospice patients, and parental caregivers of children with serious health conditions to claim exemptions from jury service. These individuals must provide appropriate documentation to the court to validate their exemption requests.

Additionally, the bill clarifies definitions related to caregiving and bereavement, such as defining "familial caretaker," "parental caregiver," and "period of bereavement." It also specifies that an individual has served as a juror if they have been compensated for their service. The amendments aim to ensure that those who have significant caregiving responsibilities or are in specific life situations are not unduly burdened by jury service obligations.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 600.1307