The bill amends the General Laws in Chapter 9-9 entitled "Jury Lists" to include individuals receiving public assistance benefits among those whose names are to be forwarded to the state's jury commissioner on a yearly basis. The amendments are made to Sections 9-9-1 and 9-9-1.1, which outline the criteria for persons liable to serve as jurors and the qualifications of jurors, respectively. The new insertions specify that individuals who are recipients of public assistance benefits are now also considered liable to serve as jurors (Section 9-9-1, subsection (a)(vi)) and are qualified to serve as jurors (Section 9-9-1.1, subsection (a)(2)(vi)). Additionally, the Department of Human Services is required to forward the names of individuals receiving public assistance benefits to the jury commissioner annually (Section 9-9-1, new subsection (f)).

The bill also maintains the existing qualifications for jurors, such as being a U.S. citizen, a resident of Rhode Island, at least 18 years of age, and being able to understand and participate in court proceedings. It also retains the disqualifications for those adjudicated non compos mentis or convicted felons who have not completed their sentence, parole, or probation. The bill ensures that disabilities alone do not disqualify a person from jury service, provided they can perform the duties with reasonable accommodations. The act is set to take effect upon passage.