SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5064

As of January 21, 2003

Title: An act relating to a jury duty exemption for sole caregivers.

Brief Description: Providing a sole caregiver jury duty exemption.

Sponsors: Senators Zarelli, Winsley and Kohl-Welles.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Judiciary: 1/30/03.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY

Staff: Jinnah Rose-McFadden (786-7421)

Background: Current law provides that a person may not be excused from jury service by a court unless there is a showing of undue hardship, extreme inconvenience, public necessity or any other reason found to be sufficient by a court. There is concern that some courts apply a very strict interpretation of this standard, causing some potential jurors to be unjustifiably inconvenienced.

Summary of Bill: The judge or clerk of the court must excuse a person from jury service if the person is the sole caregiver for a child, or other dependent, and requests to be excused. The person must be unable to afford day care or make other arrangements for the care of the dependent.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.