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HB 1213 was voted "Do Pass" by the House Judiciary
Committee today by a vote of 16 (Yes) to 1 (No). That bill was
introduced by Representative Danielle Moore of Fulton, and 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, if passed
into law, would allow persons who are born deaf and do not "speak"
English to serve on petit and grand juries in Missouri.
Advocates who want to see HB 1213 move forward in the legislative
process should contact the Chair of the House Judiciary Committee,
Representative Richard Byrd, EXPRESS YOUR APPRECIATION FOR THE
SUPPORT OF THE COMMITTEE, and REQUEST THAT REPRESENTATIVE BYRD
REPORT HB 1213 OUT OF HIS COMMITTEE AND HAVE IT PLACED ON THE HOUSE
PERFECTION CALENDAR. Representative Byrd can be contacted by calling
751-5956, faxing to 522-9288, or sending email to richard.byrd@house.mo.gov.
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