On Thursday, the North Carolina House of Representatives passed HB 234, the Jurors Qualification bill. This legislation attempts for the second year to eliminate statutory language that discriminates against potential jurors who are deaf or hard of hearing. In addition, the legislation adds a section to allow a potential juror living with a disability to disclose their disability in private to let the court know in advance if their disability may interfere with their ability to serve.
The bill has bipartisan support, but may have gotten slowed down due to an amendment that allows for people to ask to be dismissed if they are 66 years or older (currently the age is 72). HB 234 will be up for third and final reading on Tuesday's legislative calendar.
Please thank legislators who voted in favor of the HB 234 last week and asked for their continued support on Tuesday. Please feel free to use the Society website to send an email to your NC Representative.
