JURY EXEMPTIONS; EXPAND S.B. 330:
SUMMARY OF BILL
REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE
Senate Bill 330 (as reported without amendment)
Sponsor: Senator Mallory McMorrow
Committee: Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety
JURY EXEMPTIONS; EXPAND S.B. 330:
SUMMARY OF BILL
REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE
Senate Bill 330 (as reported without amendment)
Sponsor: Senator Mallory McMorrow
Committee: Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety
CONTENT
The bill would amend Chapter 13 (Jurors) of the Revised Judicature Act to allow a familial caretaker of a hospice patient and a parental caregiver of a child with a serious health condition to claim exemption from jury service for the period of care.
BRIEF RATIONALE
Being a familial caretaker for a hospice patient or a parental caregiver for a child with a serious health condition can be difficult and time-consuming; however, caretakers or caregivers currently may not be legally excused from jury service if they receive a summons. According to testimony, some courts accept caretaking or caregiving as a legitimate excuse from jury service, but some courts do not. Those not afforded an excuse must comply with the summons or face the possibility of being in contempt of court, even though they may not feasibly be able to serve because of their duties as caretaker. Accordingly, expanding the legal exemptions for jury service to include such caretakers and caregivers has been suggested.
Legislative Analyst: Tyler VanHuyse
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
Date Completed: 9-19-25 Fiscal Analyst: Michael Siracuse
floor\sb330 Bill Analysis @ www.senate.michigan.gov/sfa
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.