Bill introduced to allow D.C. seniors to opt out of jury duty
WUSA9 (Washington, D.C.) reports on a new bill introduced by Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton that seeks to give Washington, D.C., residents aged 70 and older the choice to opt out of jury duty in the D.C. Superior Court. The District of Columbia Superior Court Jury Duty for Seniors Opt Out Act of 2025 aims to bring the District in line with federal courts and the majority of states that already allow older adults to decline jury service.
Norton emphasized that most federal courts, including the U.S. District Court for D.C., offer this exemption, and D.C. residents should have the same option when summoned for their own local trial court. The bill would amend Title 11 of the D.C. Code, which governs the structure and jurisdiction of the local courts. However, because of the Home Rule Act, the D.C. Council does not have the authority to implement this change independently.
As a nonvoting delegate in the U.S. House of Representatives, Norton can introduce and advocate for legislation but cannot vote on it herself. She urged her congressional colleagues to support the bill, stressing the importance of providing older D.C. residents with the same jury service accommodations available elsewhere.
Guam youth congress proposes bill to defer full-time student jury service
The Guam Youth Congress is advocating for a new law that would allow full-time students aged 18 to 24 to defer jury service. The proposed exemption would not permanently excuse students from serving but would provide them with a deferred service date that better aligns with their academic schedules.
The Guam Youth Congress serves as a model legislative body that allows young residents to engage in the lawmaking process by proposing bills and resolutions, many of which are later considered by the Guam legislature. Established in 1975, the organization consists of elected youth representatives who debate issues relevant to their peers and the broader community, providing them with firsthand experience in governance and policymaking.
Supporters argue that the deferral would balance the civic duty of jury service with the educational commitments of young adults, ensuring they can fulfill both responsibilities effectively. If enacted, the change would provide greater flexibility for student jurors while maintaining the integrity of the jury system.
Clark County, Washington upgrades juror management system
Clark County Superior Court is modernizing its juror management system, replacing outdated software with the new Enterprise Juror Manager to enhance efficiency and improve communication with prospective jurors. Beginning the week of February 24, potential jurors will receive updated postcard-style summonses and will have the option to respond online through a newly implemented juror portal. For those without internet access, phone assistance will remain available through the jury administration office.
A key feature of the new system is its shift toward digital communications, incorporating email and text message notifications to provide real-time updates on juror status. While the initial summons will still arrive by mail, the transition to electronic messaging aims to expedite responses and reduce delays. The move aligns with broader technology trends, recognizing that the majority of Americans now use mobile devices for online interactions. These updates represent a significant step toward streamlining the jury selection process, improving the experience for the more than 40,000 individuals summoned each year.
Upcoming webinar: “Jury Duty Matters: Why Public Education Is Key to Community Engagement”
On March 20, 2025 at 3 p.m., jury professionals and public engagement advocates are invited to join an important discussion on the role of public education in strengthening jury participation.
The New York State Unified Court System and Sandstorm, a leading digital strategy firm, will join NCSC when it hosts the webinar “Jury Duty Matters: Why Public Education Is Key to Community Engagement.”
This webinar will explore innovative strategies to improve jury duty awareness, increase participation, and build trust in the justice system. Panelists will discuss how courts can effectively communicate the importance of jury service, address common misconceptions, and engage diverse communities to ensure fair and representative juries.
Whether you’re involved in jury management, court administration, or public outreach, this webinar will offer valuable insights on leveraging education and communication to enhance community involvement in the jury process.
Register today and join the conversation on how to make jury duty more accessible and meaningful for all.