Michigan 2025-2026 Regular Session

Michigan House Bill HB4094

Introduced
2/19/25  

Caption

Courts: juries; prospective jurors with certain criminal records and protected statuses; amend eligibility for service and peremptory challenges. Amends sec. 1307a of 1961 PA 236 (MCL 600.1307a) & adds secs. 1307b & 1356.

Impact

The proposed bill represents a significant shift in how juror qualifications and challenges are assessed in Michigan courts. It establishes new legal grounds to challenge peremptory exclusions based on protected statuses, aiming to prevent the disqualification of jurors simply due to their demographic background or prior convictions. This could enhance the diversity and fairness within jury panels and potentially lead to fairer trial outcomes. Additionally, the legislation also includes specific exemptions for individuals over 70, nursing mothers, and those serving in the military, reflecting a broader consideration for jurors' diverse circumstances.

Summary

House Bill 4094 aims to amend the Revised Judicature Act of 1961 by introducing new provisions that modify the criteria for qualifying as a juror and how peremptory challenges can be applied in court proceedings. The bill emphasizes the protection of individuals' rights when selecting jurors, particularly concerning those with certain criminal backgrounds or protected statuses as defined by the Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act. By adding provisions that allow a more extensive review of peremptory challenges, the bill seeks to mitigate discriminatory practices historically associated with the juror selection process.

Contention

The introduction of HB 4094 has sparked discussions about the balance between ensuring fair jury representation and maintaining the integrity of the judicial process. Proponents advocate that these changes are crucial for rectifying longstanding biases in the judicial system, particularly against marginalized communities. However, critics may argue that the more stringent oversight of peremptory challenges could lead to complications in jury selection, potentially delaying trials. The bill's approach to defining protected status and the implications for juror disqualification based on criminal history may also be points of contention, inviting further debate about the fairness and practicality of such measures.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MI HB5691

Courts: juries; prospective jurors with certain criminal records and protected statuses; amend eligibility for service and peremptory challenges. Amends sec. 1307a of 1961 PA 236 (MCL 600.1307a) & adds secs. 1307b & 1356.

MI HB4850

Courts: juries; exemption from jury service for certain military personnel; allow. Amends sec. 1307a of 1961 PA 236 (MCL 600.1307a).

MI HB5689

Courts: juries; local jury boards; eliminate, and create a centralized jury process. Amends secs. 857, 1301a, 1304a, 1307a, 1326, 1332, 1334, 1343, 1344, 1345, 1346, 1371 & 1372 of 1961 PA 236 (MCL 600.857 et seq.); adds secs. 1306 & 1307 & repeals secs. 1301, 1301b, 1302, 1303, 1303a, 1304, 1305, 1308, 1309, 1310, 1311, 1312, 1313, 1314, 1315, 1316, 1317, 1318, 1319, 1320, 1321, 1322, 1323, 1324, 1327, 1328, 1330, 1331, 1338, 1339, 1341, 1342, 1353, 1375 & 1376 of 1961 PA 236 (MCL 600.1301 et seq.) & repeals 1929 PA 288 (MCL 730.251 - 730.271) & repeals 1951 PA 179 (MCL 730.401 - 730.419).

MI HB6225

Criminal procedure: expunction; procedures and eligibility for the expungement of certain records; provide for. Amends secs. 1b, 1c, 1d, 2 & 3 of 1965 PA 213 (MCL 780.621b et seq.); adds sec. 1j & repeals sec. 4 of 1965 PA 213 (MCL 780.624).

MI SB0970

Criminal procedure: expunction; procedures and eligibility for the expungement of certain records; provide for. Amends secs. 1b, 1c, 1d, 2 & 3 of 1965 PA 213 (MCL 780.621b et seq.); adds sec. 1j & repeals sec. 4 of 1965 PA 213 (MCL 780.624).

MI HB4525

Courts: drug court; violent offender eligibility for drug treatment court; modify. Amends secs. 1064 & 1066 of 1961 PA 236 (MCL 600.1064 & 600.1066).

MI SB0599

Corrections: parole; parole eligibility for medically frail inmates; modify. Amends secs. 34 & 35 of 1953 PA 232 (MCL 791.234 & 791.235).

MI HB5238

Civil procedure: evictions; court records of evictions; require to be expunged. Amends sec. 8371 of 1961 PA 236 (MCL 600.8371) & adda sec. 5755.

MI HB4523

Courts: other; violent offender eligibility for mental health court; modify. Amends sec. 1093 of 1961 PA 236 (MCL 600.1093).

MI SB1042

Health: testing; notification of dense breast tissue; eliminate, and provide for other general amendments to the use of radiation machines for mammography. Amends secs. 13501, 13521, 13522 & 13523 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.13501 et seq.) & repeals secs. 13524 & 13531 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.13524 & 333.13531).

Similar Bills

MI HB5691

Courts: juries; prospective jurors with certain criminal records and protected statuses; amend eligibility for service and peremptory challenges. Amends sec. 1307a of 1961 PA 236 (MCL 600.1307a) & adds secs. 1307b & 1356.

CO SB128

Implicit Bias In Jury Selection

CA SB212

Prospective jurors for criminal trials: peremptory challenges: elimination.

SD HB1061

Repeal provisions regarding criminal jury trials effective upon the adoption of Supreme Court rules.

OR HB4073

Relating to courts.

CA AB3070

Juries: peremptory challenges.

CA SB645

Juries: peremptory challenges.

CA SB758

Juries: peremptory challenges.