WirePOLITICS: Bill passes that will excuse seniors from jury duty

The Pennsylvania Senate passed a bill, introduced by Sen. Stewart J. Greenleaf, that would permit senior citizens age 75 and older who wish to be excused to be exempt from jury duty.

This exemption was suggested by a 79-year-old constituent who complained that he needed documentation from his doctor of “undue hardship” to be excused from jury duty and who reported that his 85-year-old friend also was summoned for jury duty.

Greenleaf said, “While many elderly persons may be able and willing to serve on juries, it seems only fair to give our most elderly citizens the ability to be excused from jury duty.”

The bill unanimously passed the Senate, and has now been referred to the House of Representatives.