Bill implementing jury reform introduced

The bill to start reforms recommended by the Nevada Supreme Court's study commission on jury service was introduced in the Senate Monday.

The major change it would make is to remove most of the exemptions from jury service.

Existing law grants exemptions to jury service for federal and state officers, judges and lawyers, county officials, correctional employees and medical professionals, among others.

All those exemptions would be removed to expand the pool of potential jurors.

Lawmakers and employees of the Legislative Counsel Bureau would still be exempt from the jury summons when the Legislature is in session.

And those older than age 70 could be exempted, if they wish.

The bill adds a new exemption which says people who serve on a jury in a given year are exempt for at least a year after doing so.

And the legislation would increase the daily fee for those summoned to jury duty from $9 to $40. In addition, jurors would receive 36.5 cents a mile for travel to serve on a jury if they have to travel more than 65 miles. The current rate is 20 cents.

SB73 was referred to the Judiciary Committee for study.