Bill > SB2095

This bill amends North Dakota law to provide a specific definition for "law enforcement officer" and create a new provision allowing law enforcement officers to be automatically excused from jury duty during criminal trials. The bill defines a law enforcement officer as any full-time salaried sheriff, deputy, police chief, policeman, or individual licensed to perform peace officer duties and employed full-time by a state or local criminal justice agency. Under the new provision, law enforcement officers can be excused from jury service specifically for criminal trials, in addition to the existing provisions that allow individuals to be excused for undue hardship, extreme inconvenience, or public necessity. The bill will apply to any jury summons sent out after the law's effective date, meaning the new excusal provision will take effect immediately for future jury selections. This change recognizes the unique professional demands and potential conflicts of interest that law enforcement officers might experience when called for jury duty in criminal proceedings.

Justice

https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/bill-overview/bo2095.html