Local
Governor Rell signs bill alleviating jury duty inconveniences
By Gov. Rell's Office
Jun 4, 2008 - 6:50:02 PM

Governor M. Jodi Rell announced today that she has signed legislation that aims to alleviate the inconveniences many individuals feel when repeatedly summoned for jury duty.

The governor signed Public Act 08-103, “An Act Concerning Jurors,” on May 27.

Under the new law, individuals who have served at least one day of jury duty will automatically be exempted from serving for the next three years, unless they specifically opt-in to the summoning process by completing a form before they leave the courthouse.

“Each year approximately 120,000 individuals serve at least one day of jury service, and this entitles them to be excused from service for three years,” Governor Rell said. “Re-summoning them within that time contributes to a perception that the system unfairly and repeatedly targets certain individuals. This new law will help to minimize these inconveniences.”

The new law also clarifies that an employer must allow an employee time off from work to serve as a juror even when working the second or third shift.

“Employees who work a second or third shift have, on occasion, been mandated by employers to work their evening shift after having served a full day as a juror,” Governor Rell said. “This can result in fatigue, reduced attention to evidence at trial and potential safety hazards in the workplace. The new law clarifies that an employee who has served eight hours as a juror has worked a full day and cannot be compelled by an employer to work another shift.”

The law takes effect October 1.

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