Bill > HB4094

This bill modifies Michigan's jury selection laws in several key ways. First, it changes the eligibility criteria for jurors by removing the blanket ban on felony convictions and instead disqualifying only those currently incarcerated or on probation or parole. The bill introduces new protections for potential jurors with certain protected statuses, prohibiting their exclusion from jury service based on characteristics like race, gender, religion, or other traits defined in the Elliot-Larsen civil rights act. The legislation also establishes detailed procedures for challenging peremptory jury strikes that may be based on discriminatory motivations. Under the new law, if a party seeks to remove a juror, they must provide a clear, non-discriminatory reason for the challenge, and the court will evaluate the reasons using a comprehensive set of criteria, including the nature and pattern of questioning and historical patterns of jury selection. The bill creates a rebuttable presumption against certain types of peremptory challenges, such as those based on a juror's expressed distrust of law enforcement or personal experiences with the criminal justice system, and automatically invalidates challenges based on factors like living in a high-crime neighborhood or receiving state benefits. The changes are designed to address historical discrimination in jury selection and will take effect one year after enactment.

Justice

https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-4094