Makes those persons seventy (70) years of age or older exempt from jury service.

## Rhode Island Bill Summary: Jury Service Exemption for Seniors

This bill would allow Rhode Island residents who are 70 years of age or older to opt out of jury service. Under current law, most adults are required to serve on a jury when summoned, with limited exceptions. If this bill passes, being 70 or older would automatically qualify a person for an exemption, meaning they could choose not to serve if they don't want to — though it would not prevent older residents from serving if they wish to do so.

The bill directly affects Rhode Island residents aged 70 and above who receive jury summons. For many seniors, jury duty can present real challenges, including transportation difficulties, health concerns, or the physical demands of sitting through lengthy court proceedings. This exemption would give older residents the choice to decline jury service without needing to provide a specific excuse or go through a formal hardship process.

It's worth noting that the bill would not force older residents off juries — it simply gives them the *option* to be excused. Courts and the overall jury system would still function normally, drawing from a large pool of eligible adults. The bill has been introduced and referred to the House Judiciary Committee, where lawmakers will review it before deciding whether to move it forward for a full vote.