HB 1213 -- JURY SERVICE

SPONSOR:  Moore

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Judiciary
by a vote of 16 to 1.

Under current law, a person is disqualified from serving as a
juror if that person is unable to read, speak, and understand
English.  This bill establishes an exception to that
disqualification when the person's disability is due to a vision
or hearing impairment which can be adequately compensated for
through the use of auxiliary aids or services.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds in FY 2005, FY 2006, and
FY 2007.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that current law is discriminatory,
contrary to federal law, and disqualifies some otherwise eligible
citizens of the state from performing their civic duty.

Testifying for the bill were Representatives Moore and Lowe; and
Paraquad, Incorporated.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Julie Jinkens McNitt, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
92nd General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated September 23, 2004 at 11:15 am