Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB4042

Introduced
6/12/23  

Caption

District of Columbia Local Juror Non-Discrimination Act of 2023

Impact

If enacted, HB 4042 would significantly impact existing laws concerning jury selection in the District of Columbia. By explicitly prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, the bill would help to ensure that the juror pool reflects the diversity of the community. Such changes aim to foster a legal environment that upholds the values of equity and justice, potentially leading to fairer outcomes in trials where juries are more representative of society as a whole.

Summary

House Bill 4042, titled the 'District of Columbia Local Juror Non-Discrimination Act of 2023', proposes amendments to the District of Columbia's Official Code to prohibit the exclusion of individuals from jury service based on sexual orientation or gender identity. The bill aims to enhance the inclusivity and fairness of the juror selection process by ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, are eligible to serve on juries in the District of Columbia. This legislative effort seeks to align the district's laws with evolving societal norms regarding equality and non-discrimination.

Contention

While the bill is primarily viewed as a step forward for civil rights, it may face opposition from groups that believe the changes could complicate the jury selection process or invoke debates around personal beliefs versus legal obligations. However, the main contention seems to center on balancing the rights of individuals to serve on juries without discrimination against other interests that may oppose such inclusivity. The legislative discussions around HB 4042 highlight the continued conversations about rights, representation, and the evolving interpretation of equality under the law.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB4061

District of Columbia Local Juror Non-Discrimination Act of 2025

US HB15

Equality Act This bill prohibits discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity with respect to businesses, employment, housing, federally funded programs, and other settings. Specifically, the bill expands Title II and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit public accommodations and federally funded programs, respectively, from discriminating based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity. It also includes stores, transit services, recreational facilities, and establishments that provide health care, accounting, or legal services as public accommodations under Title II. The bill also expands Title IV (desegregation of public schools) and Title VII (employment discrimination) to specifically include sexual orientation and gender identity. (The Supreme Court held in Bostock v. Clayton County that Title VII's prohibition of employment discrimination based on sex also prohibits employment discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.) The bill similarly expands the Fair Housing Act (discrimination in public and private housing) to include sexual orientation and gender identity. It also prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity by creditors and with respect to jury selection. The bill defines sex for purposes of the aforementioned provisions to include sex stereotypes, pregnancy, childbirth, sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics.

US SB5

Equality Act This bill prohibits discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity with respect to businesses, employment, housing, federally funded programs, and other settings. Specifically, the bill expands Title II and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit public accommodations and federally funded programs, respectively, from discriminating based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity. It also includes stores, transit services, recreational facilities, and establishments that provide health care, accounting, or legal services as public accommodations under Title II. The bill also expands Title IV (desegregation of public schools) and Title VII (employment discrimination) to specifically include sexual orientation and gender identity. (The Supreme Court held in Bostock v. Clayton County that Title VII's prohibition of employment discrimination based on sex also prohibits employment discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.) The bill similarly expands the Fair Housing Act (discrimination in public and private housing) to include sexual orientation and gender identity. It also prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity by creditors and with respect to jury selection. The bill defines sex for purposes of the aforementioned provisions to include sex stereotypes, pregnancy, childbirth, sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics.

US SB1959

Jury ACCESS Act of 2023 Jury Access for Capable Citizens and Equality in Service Selection Act of 2023

US HB8707

Juror Non-Discrimination Act of 2024

US HB697

Justice for All Act of 2023

US HB2375

District of Columbia Home Rule Improvement Act

US HB811

District of Columbia National Guard Home Rule Act

US SB1960

Global Respect Act of 2023

US HB3880

PAID Act Prohibit Auto Insurance Discrimination Act

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.