Bill > SB137

This bill amends Montana's jury service law to automatically excuse prospective jurors who are 75 years of age or older from jury duty upon their request. Currently, jurors can be excused from service if they can demonstrate undue hardship, such as being a breastfeeding mother or having to care for a dependent, or if they are chronically incapacitated. The new provision adds a specific exemption for individuals aged 75 and older, allowing them to be excused from jury service simply by requesting it, without needing to provide additional justification. This change recognizes that older individuals may face more challenges in serving on a jury, such as physical limitations or increased caregiving responsibilities. The bill will take effect immediately upon passage and approval, meaning that as soon as it becomes law, individuals 75 and older can request to be excused from jury service in Montana.