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 exemption: (10) firefighters, including fire chiefs, who are permanent, paid employees of a municipality or county fire department, and (11) police officers, including police chiefs, who are permanent, paid employees of a municipality or county police department. This change aims to recognize the essential roles these public safety officials play in their communities and relieve them from the obligation of jury service.

The bill stipulates that it applies only to individuals summoned for jury service on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025. Those summoned before this date will continue to be governed by the existing law. The inclusion of these exemptions reflects a legislative intent to support the operational readiness of emergency services by ensuring that key personnel are available for their critical duties.

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