Arkansas House Bill HB1367

Arkansas 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/23
• Refer: 2/7/23
• Failed: 5/1/23

Caption

To Amend The Law Concerning The Process Of Jury Selection.

Impact

The proposed changes would specifically affect Arkansas Code related to jury qualifications and selection processes. By allowing a larger group of individuals to be eligible for jury service, the bill could help mitigate concerns about jury pools that do not adequately represent the diversity of the population. In addition, the act facilitates the use of technology in the selection process, potentially increasing efficiency and accuracy in how jurors are chosen. This modernization could lead to a more timely administration of justice, as courts would be able to function more effectively with a readily available pool of jurors.

Summary

House Bill 1367 aims to amend existing laws governing the process of jury selection in Arkansas. This legislation modifies the qualifications for jury service by broadening its pool to include not only registered voters but also licensed drivers and individuals with state-issued identification cards who are citizens and at least eighteen years old. By expanding the eligibility criteria, the bill seeks to enhance the inclusivity and representation of the jury pool, ensuring it reflects the community more accurately. Furthermore, HB1367 establishes protocols for the random selection of jurors through both traditional methods and computerized systems, aiming to streamline the jury selection process.

Contention

While HB1367 seeks to foster a more inclusive jury system, the expansion of eligibility might raise concerns among some critics regarding the potential dilution of jury quality. Questions have been posed about whether the inclusion of individuals who may not have been previously considered will affect the competency of juries. Legislative debates may also focus on the administrative impact of implementing computerized systems for jury selection and whether additional costs to counties could arise due to the need for updated technology. These factors will likely generate discussions about balancing judicial efficiency and the integrity of the judicial process.