A bill to amend 1961 PA 236, entitled “Revised judicature act of 1961,” by amending section 1307a (MCL 600.1307a), as amended by 2023 PA 308, and by adding sections 1307b and 1356.
The bill outlines new qualifications and exemptions for jury service, aiming to make jury duty more inclusive and equitable. Key provisions include the requirement that jurors must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old, and residents of the relevant county or district. The bill also stipulates that jurors must be able to communicate in English and be physically and mentally capable of serving, with temporary disabilities not being grounds for disqualification. Notably, the bill changes the disqualification criteria from having a felony conviction to being currently incarcerated or on probation or parole.
The legislation introduces several exemptions: individuals over 70 years old, nursing mothers, participants in the address confidentiality program, active-duty service members, and their spouses residing outside the state or country due to military orders can all request exemption from jury service. The bill also clarifies that individuals are considered to have served as jurors if they have been paid for their service.
Co-sponsored by Reps.
Referred to the Committee on Criminal Justice
