Bill > HB1081

This bill proposes to create new exemptions from jury duty for certain individuals and to require more specific notice for jurors. Specifically, licensed health care providers attending to pregnant women or individuals with serious medical conditions can be exempt if they provide documentation within ten days of receiving a jury summons showing no equally qualified replacement is available and their absence would cause hardship, complicate care, lead to uncontrolled pain, worsen a condition, or potentially result in death for their patient; public safety workers, defined as law enforcement officers, firefighters, hazardous and disaster response team members, or emergency medical service personnel, can be exempt if they provide similar documentation within ten days showing no equally qualified replacement is available and their absence would risk public health and safety; and individuals solely responsible for the daily care of a household member with a permanent disability can be exempt if they provide documentation within ten days showing their absence would pose a substantial risk of injury to that person's health, unless they are regularly employed outside the home. Additionally, the bill mandates that clerks of court must notify jurors of the exact date they are required to physically appear for jury service at least fourteen days in advance, in addition to any other required notice.

Justice

https://sdlegislature.gov/#/Session/Bill/26988