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AB-1359 • 2026

Jury service exemptions.

Jury service exemptions.

Active

The official status still shows this bill as active or still awaiting another formal step.

Sponsor
Ahrens
Last action
Official status
Senate - Appropriations
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

Checked against official source text during the last sync.

Jury Service Exemptions for People Aged 80 and Older

Starting January 1, 2028, this law allows people aged 80 or older to get a permanent excuse from jury duty without needing a letter from a health care provider.

What This Bill Does

  • Allows people aged 80 or older to ask for a permanent excuse from jury service starting January 1, 2028.
  • Removes the requirement for these individuals to provide a supporting letter, memo, or note from a treating health care provider with their request.
  • Requires courts to grant a permanent excuse when an eligible person asks for one under this rule.
  • Authorizes the Judicial Council to create new court rules and forms needed to carry out this change.

Who It Names or Affects

  • People who are 80 years of age or older
  • Courts that handle jury service requests
  • The Judicial Council

Terms To Know

Permanent excuse
A rule that removes a person from the list of people who must serve on juries for their entire life.
Judicial Council
The group in charge of making rules and forms for California courts.

Limits and Unknowns

  • This change only takes effect on January 1, 2028.
  • People under the age of 80 must still follow existing laws to get an excuse from jury service.

Bill History

  1. California Legislative Information

    Senate - Appropriations

Official Summary Text

Jury service exemptions.