BILL NUMBER: S9037
SPONSOR: SEPULVEDA
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the judiciary law, in relation to exempting senior citi-
zens from jury duty
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
The legislation would allow Seniors who are 75 years old or older to
claim exemption from jury duty should they so wish.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1. The judiciary law is amended by adding a new section § 511
that upon claiming an exemption, a prospective juror who is seventy-five
years or older, shall be exempt from jury duty. The chief administrator
of the courts shall prescribe the form to be used for a qualified person
to file with the appropriate commissioner of jurors for exemption from
jury duty.
Section 2. Effective date
 
JUSTIFICATION:
For New Yorkers age 75 years old and older, transportation increasingly
becomes a challenge. According to AARP, the average age that people give
up driving is 75. While many Seniors drive well past 75, some avoid
driving after sunset and avoid driving to unfamiliar locations.
For those who have stopped driving or have medical conditions that lead
to declining mobility, a jury summons imposes a hardship. For Seniors
aged 75 and older who wish to continue to be eligible for jury duty, no
action would be necessary.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
A8358: 2023-2024, referred to Judiciary
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after it
shall have become a law. Effective immediately, the addition, amendment
and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation
of this act on its effective date are authorized to be made and
completed on or before such effective date.