SB30 Alabama 2024 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Bobby D. SingletonSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2024

Title

Jury service, individual 75 years of age or older may be permanently excused from service

Summary

The bill lets Alabama residents aged 75 or older be permanently excused from jury service if they request it and removes them from the master jury list.

What This Bill Does

It amends two sections to allow a person 75 or older to be permanently exempt from jury service upon written request, with the court removing them from the master jury list. The court may still excuse other prospective jurors based on interviews or other evidence for reasons such as hardship, incapacity, or public necessity, and may grant temporary excusal for up to 24 months. The measure takes effect on October 1, 2024.

Who It Affects

• Individuals aged 75 years or older who want a permanent exemption from jury service; they can submit a written request and be removed from the master jury list.
• Courts and the broader jury system, including prospective jurors under 75, who will follow the updated rules for excusal (including grounds, procedures, and potential 24-month pauses) and determine exemptions based on interviews or other evidence.

Key Provisions

• Allows individuals 75 years of age or older to submit a written request to be permanently exempt from jury service; the court must remove the person from the master jury list upon receipt of the request.
• The court will determine exemption eligibility based on information from an interview or other competent evidence.
• Defines allowable grounds for excusal to include: 75+ age, undue or extreme physical or financial hardship, mental or physical incapacity, and public necessity.
• An excusal may last up to 24 months, after which the person may be directed to reappear for jury service.
• Hardship criteria specify conditions related to caregiving, essential living costs, and illness, and state hardship is not based solely on missing work.
• The act remains in effect with one automatic postponement right under existing law, and its effective date is October 1, 2024.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Courts & Judges