Jury Duty can be inconvenient for some, others wish to be called to do their civic duty. However, if two Colorado lawmakers pass their bill certain populations might be able to opt-out should they get a summons to serve.
The two Republican legislators, State Senator Lisa Frizell and Representative Carlos Barron's bill, House Bill 1065 would allow someone over the age of 70 to either temporarily or permanently be excused from serving on a jury. The legislation would also let someone who is out of state either going to school or working out of state to opt out of jury duty in their county of record. The courts might require proof of this.
In the fiscal note on the bill, which is how much the state's budget and workload is expected to be affected, it notes that the AARP, Association for the Advancement of Retired Persons reports that 41 states offer the exemption from jury service for age.
The minimum age required to request exemption from jury service ranges from 65 years old to 80 years old nationwide.
It will cost the state approximately $114,000 in 2025-26 and $122,000 in 2026-27 and ongoing for the costs of processing summons to would-be jurors and screening those wishing to opt out.
The bill will be heard in the State, Civic, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee.
If you'd like to listen to this committee hearing or any committee hearing from other days, the link is here. https://sg001-harmony.sliq.net/00327/Harmony/en/View/UpcomingEvents/20250130/33
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