Posted March 1, 2004
HB 1213- Committee Hearing 

HB 1213 was introduced by Representative Danielle Moore of Fulton at the request of the Missouri Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. HB 1213 adds clarifying language to the eligibility requirements for petit and grand jury service. Current Missouri law disqualifies persons from serving
on petit and grand juries if they are unable to "read, speak and understand the English language". HB 1213 adds an exception to that disqualification when the "person's inability is due to a vision or hearing impairment which can be adequately compensated for through the use of auxiliary aids or services." This bill would allow persons who are born deaf and do not "speak" English to serve on petit and grand juries. The Missouri Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing will testify in support of HB 1213, but would like to see the language broadened to include all persons with disabilities (something like when the "person's inability is due to a disability that can be adequately compensated for through the use of auxiliary aids and services").

Advocates who would like to testify in support of HB 1213 should contact either Representative Moore's office [573-751-5226 (Voice); 573-522-9221 (Fax); Danielle.Moore@house.mo.gov (Email)] or the chair of the House Judiciary Committee, Representative Richard Byrd [573-751-5956 (Voice); 573-522-9288 (Fax); Richard.Byrd@house.mo.gov (Email)].


 

For more information about legislation/issues,
contact MCDHH@mcdhh.state.mo.us.

This report is being posted by the Missouri Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
03-1-04