HCS/SB 405 - This act provides that when a prospective juror seeks an excuse from jury duty based on a hardship, the person shall submit such documentation regarding the hardship as may be required by the judge. The act authorizes a judge to excuse a person from jury duty without meeting one of the defined reasons for physical hardship if it is apparent to the judge that the person's physical hardship significantly impairs the person's ability to serve as a juror. When a prospective juror seeks a postponement of jury duty, the act provides that the court, rather than the prospective juror, shall select the new date for jury duty. This act excuses any person who provides health care services under the authority of a license from jury duty. Currently, only licensed physicians, chiropractors, dentists and pharmacists are excused from jury duty. Employees of a religious institution whose religious obligations or constraints prohibit their serving on a jury are also excused from jury duty.
JIM ERTLE