This bill addresses public safety by establishing that individuals who are currently under correctional supervision for a felony offense are ineligible to serve as jurors in criminal cases, including grand juries. The proposed new legal language specifies that this ineligibility remains in effect until the individual’s sentence is fully discharged, as outlined in section 609.165 of Minnesota Statutes.
The bill introduces a new section, designated as [593.55], which explicitly states this prohibition against felons serving on juries while under supervision. This legislative change aims to ensure that those who are still serving their sentences do not participate in the jury process, thereby maintaining the integrity of the judicial system.