BILL AS INTRODUCED S.158
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1 S.158
2 Introduced by Senators Collamore, Chittenden, Norris, Starr, Weeks and
3 Williams
4 Referred to Committee on
5 Date:
6 Subject: Judiciary; jury service; age exception
7 Statement of purpose of bill as introduced: This bill proposes to create an
8 exception for persons 70 years of age or older from jury service. The bill
9 requires persons that qualify to request an exception from jury service on the
10 juror questionnaire that is provided when summoned for juror service.
11 An act relating to excepting persons 70 years of age or older from jury
12 service
13 It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont:
14 Sec. 1. 4 V.S.A. § 962 is amended to read:
15 § 962. QUALIFICATIONS; EXCUSE FROM SERVICE
16 (a) A person shall be qualified for jury service if the person:
17 (1) is a citizen of the United States who has attained the age of majority;
18 (2) resides within the geographical jurisdiction of the court in which
19 called to serve;
20 (3) is able to read, write, understand, and speak the English language;
VT LEG #372013 v.1
BILL AS INTRODUCED S.158
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1 (4) is capable, by reason of mental or physical condition, to render
2 satisfactory jury service; and
3 (5) has not served a term of imprisonment in this State after conviction
4 of a felony.
5 (b) No person shall be automatically excused from jury service; however,
6 the presiding judge may excuse a person for all or part of the two-year period
7 upon individual request showing undue hardship on the prospective juror or the
8 employer.
9 (c) Notwithstanding subsection (b) of this section, a person who is 70 years
10 of age or older shall be automatically excused from jury service upon
11 indication on the juror questionnaire that the person’s name be removed from
12 the jury list either permanently or for the current two-year term of service.
13 Sec. 2. EFFECTIVE DATE
14 This act shall take effect on July 1, 2024.
VT LEG #372013 v.1
Statutes affected: As Introduced: 4-962