The bill amends N.J.S.2B:20-10, which outlines the grounds for being excused from jury service in New Jersey. It specifies that an excuse will be granted under certain conditions, including if the prospective juror is 75 years of age or older, has served as a juror in the last three years, or faces severe hardship due to circumstances unlikely to change within the next year. The bill details various forms of severe hardship, such as medical inability verified by a physician, severe financial hardship, personal obligations to care for dependents, and specific roles in health care or education that cannot be easily replaced.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for jurors who are members of volunteer fire departments or first aid squads to be excused from service. The changes aim to clarify and expand the criteria under which individuals may be excused from jury duty, ensuring that those with significant personal or professional obligations are not unduly burdened. The act is set to take effect immediately and will apply to jurors impaneled on or after the effective date.