S.B. No. 1189 amends Section 62.106(a) of the Government Code to expand the list of exemptions from jury service to include certain firefighters and police officers. Specifically, the bill adds two new categories of exemptions: (10) firefighters, including fire chiefs, who are permanent, paid employees of a municipality, county, or special district providing firefighting services; and (11) police officers, including police chiefs, who are permanent, paid employees of a municipality or county police department. The bill also removes the option for individuals to be exempt based on their military service, specifically those serving on active duty and deployed away from their home station.

The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will apply only to individuals summoned for jury service on or after that date. Those summoned before the effective date will continue to be governed by the previous law. This legislation aims to recognize the commitments of firefighters and police officers by exempting them from the obligations of jury service, thereby allowing them to focus on their critical roles in public safety.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 62.106 (Government Code 62)