I came across great news last week from the Governor’s Office and would like to share with our TCV friendly readers.
“Effective Jan. 1, 2028, people 80 and older whose medical impairments permanently prevent jury service can seek a permanent excuse without a health care provider’s documentation.” Indeed, Gov. Newsom has signed the bill. A job well done!
From my experience/observations, most seniors of even 75 and older may not be able to drive or have a scanner (to make a copy of verification from a doctor and upload it) for the jury commissioner before the deadline.
In fact, some seniors who are having limited vision or diabetes can’t take BART for jury duty in the city of Oakland due to chronic health conditions, as well as those who have difficulty using technology.
What I propose or suggest to the governor is, any senior who is at least 75 or older may be exempted and/or permanent medical excuse by submitting a written attestation that they have an impairment that permanently renders the person incapable of jury service. In this scenario, the person will not have to provide documentation from a healthcare provider.
Similar permanent exemptions are available to older jurors in a number of other states.
I believe the governor still has the rest of the year to re-consider the law of the age of a senior juror from 80 to 75 to make their life easier for all Californians seniors.
