Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Jury Duty Deferral topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee approves bill allowing lawmakers to defer jury duty and allowing those 80+ to opt out
Summary
The Senate Judiciary Committee voted to pass House Bill 1159, which lets legislators defer jury service while in session and permits people aged 80 or older to opt out of jury duty. The measure passed on a committee voice vote and will move forward for further consideration.
Representative Meeks presented House Bill 1159 to the Senate Judiciary Committee, describing two changes: lawmakers who are serving in session, special, extraordinary or fiscal sessions may defer jury service until after their legislative duties conclude, and any person aged 80 or older may opt out of jury duty "for any reason," Meeks said.
Meeks said the deferment is intended as a delay, not an exemption, so lawmakers would not be permanently excused from civic responsibility if they choose to serve outside the legislative calendar. He framed the over-80 provision as an accommodation for frailty and caretaking burdens that can make jury service unduly difficult.
No public witnesses signed up to speak for or against the bill, and no committee members offered substantive questions. Centra Riese moved the committee to pass the bill; Centra Ballinger seconded. The committee approved HB1159 by voice vote and the chair announced the motion passed.
The committee's action forwards the bill to the next legislative step. There were no recorded amendments or conditions attached in committee.
