Us Congress House Bill HB2442

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/30/23
• Refer: 3/30/23

Caption

Disability and Age in Jury Service Nondiscrimination Act

Impact

If passed, HB2442 would amend Section 1862 of Title 28 to explicitly prohibit discrimination based on disability and age in the context of jury service. This change is significant as it reinforces the legal protection against exclusion from jury duty for individuals who may require reasonable accommodations. The amendment aims to enhance representation on juries, ensuring that individuals who have disabilities or who are older are not automatically disqualified from serving.

Summary

House Bill 2442, known as the Disability and Age in Jury Service Nondiscrimination Act, seeks to amend Title 28 of the United States Code to prohibit the exclusion of individuals from federal jury service based on disability or age. The bill aims to ensure that all citizens, regardless of physical or age-related limitations, are afforded the opportunity to participate in jury trials, a fundamental component of the justice system. By revising legal qualifications for jury service, the bill aims to foster inclusivity within the federal judicial process.

Contention

During discussions surrounding the bill, supporters argue that capability and reliability should guide jury eligibility rather than arbitrary physical or age-related benchmarks. Critics, however, might raise concerns about the practical implications of accommodating individuals with severe disabilities in the courtroom setting, likely discussing the balance between inclusivity and effective jury function. Additionally, the logistics of making reasonable accommodations in diverse jurisdictions may present challenges as the bill is implemented.