Alabama 2024 Regular Session

Alabama Senate Bill SB30

Introduced
2/6/24  
Introduced
2/6/24  

Caption

Jury service, individual 75 years of age or older may be permanently excused from service

Impact

If enacted, the bill would amend Sections 12-16-62 and 12-16-63 of the Code of Alabama 1975. It would introduce substantial changes to how jury service exemptions are handled for senior citizens, alleviating what may be perceived as an obligation that could impose undue strain on older adults. The ability for seniors to exempt themselves from jury service upon request is anticipated to reduce the burden on this demographic, allowing them to focus on their health and well-being.

Summary

SB30 is a proposal that aims to change the existing laws governing jury service in Alabama by allowing individuals aged 75 years or older to request a permanent exemption from jury duties. Currently, individuals can only be excused from jury service under specific circumstances, such as undue hardship or physical incapacity. This bill seeks to simplify the process for elderly citizens by providing a straightforward avenue for them to be permanently exempted based solely on their age.

Contention

While the bill is likely to receive support from advocacy groups representing the elderly, it may also face opposition from those who believe that civic duties, including jury service, should not have blanket exemptions based solely on age. Critics might argue that senior citizens can contribute valuable perspectives to jury deliberations and that allowing an exemption could be a disservice to the justice system's need for diverse views in jury panels.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AL SB64

Relating to jury service; to amend Sections 12-16-62 and 12-16-63, Code of Alabama 1975; to allow individuals 75 years of age or older to be excused from jury service and to request a permanent exemption from jury service.

AL A5786

Excuses person 70 years of age or older from jury service.

AL HB34

Excuse breast-feeding mothers from jury service

AL SB137

Require excusal of prospective jurors aged 75 and older

AL SB405

Require excusal of prospective jurors aged 75 and older

AL S0158

An act relating to excepting persons 70 years of age or older from jury service

AL SB653

Jurors; disqualifying certain persons from jury service. Effective date.

AL HB1005

Jurors; jury service exemption; effective date.

AL HB1005

Jurors; jury service exemption; effective date.

AL A313

Creates new excuse from jury service; directs AOC to create and maintain list of persons excused from jury duty due to developmental disability.

Similar Bills

CA SB277

Criminal procedure: search of persons.

CA AB937

Plastic products: commercial agricultural mulch film: labeling: soil biodegradable.

CA AB2632

Segregated confinement.

CA AB1464

Housing preferences.

MI SB0975

Employment security: benefits; disqualification from benefits; modify. Amends sec. 29 of 1936 (Ex Sess) PA 1 (MCL 421.29).

CA AB2564

Individual Shared Responsibility Penalty: waiver: health care service plans.

CA SB479

Termination of tenancy: no-fault just cause: natural person.

CA SB1428

Reproductive health: mifepristone and other medication.