Posted March 6, 2004
HB 1213 - Please Support Jury Eligibility Bill 

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 would allow persons who are born deaf and do not "speak" English to serve on petit and grand juries in Missouri. A complete copy of the MCDHH testimony is appended.

Advocates who want to see HB 1213 move forward in the legislative process should contact members of the House Judiciary Committee and urge them to “VOTE DO PASS FOR HB 1213.” Contact information for members of that committee, including the Chair, Representative Richard Byrd, is as follows:

Last Name     First Name   E-mail                                          Room #     Phone #         Fax #       District

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.
03-6-04