Christian County Chief Circuit Court Judge John Atkins says he has asked 3rd District State Senator Whitney Westerfield to draft a bill for the General Assembly that would expand the acceptable excuses for jury service.
According to Judge Atkins, the drafted bill would include an option to excuse seniors who have reached 75 years of age.
click to download audioJudge Atkins also notes that he’s not sure there will be enough time in the current short session of the General Assembly to get the bill passed but Senator Westerfield is going to try to get it to committee and a floor vote on the Senate right away. Judge Atkins also said he has spoken with 8th District State Representative Walker Thomas and he is aware of this bill.
Senator Westerfield says he was approached by Judge Atkins about this legislation that he believes is needed in Kentucky.
click to download audioSenator Westerfield adds that he has spoken with 8th District State Representative Walker Thomas who he believes also supports this legislation. He says another freshman legislator plans to file the bill.
click to download audioThe amended legislation in Section 1 of KRS 29A.080 would include language that a prospective juror is disqualified to serve on a jury if the juror is seventy-five (75) years of age or older and has requested in a space provided on the juror qualification form that he or she be excused from service for the period summoned.
