SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6507

BYSenators McCaslin, Amondson, von Reichbauer and Patterson

Allowing any person who makes a timely request to be excused from jury duty.

Senate Committee on Law & Justice

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 1, 1990

Senate Staff:Jon Carlson (786-7459)

AS OF JANUARY 30, 1990

BACKGROUND:

Persons who are qualified for jury duty cannot be excused from jury service by the court except for undue hardship, extreme inconvenience, public necessity, prior jury service once within the last two years, or any other reason deemed sufficient by the court. 

A juror who must take a leave of absence from employment to serve for an extended trial may suffer significant economic hardship, particularly since juror compensation is between $10 and $25 for each day's attendance.  In addition, a juror may be separated from his or her family for a lengthy period of time. 

SUMMARY:

A person must be excused from jury duty by the court if he or she makes the request in a timely manner.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested January 29, 1990