EXEMPTION FROM JURY DUTY

FOR NURSING MOTHERS

House Bill 4691

Sponsor:  Rep. Kurt Heise

Committee:  Judiciary

Complete to 10-11-11

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 4691 AS INTRODUCED 5-31-11

The bill would create an exemption from jury duty for a nursing mother.  It is an amendment to the Revised Judicature Act.

House Bill 4691 would allow a nursing mother to claim exemption from jury service for the period during which she is nursing her child.  She would be exempt upon making the request if she provided a letter from a certified nurse midwife or a physician verifying that she was a nursing mother.

"Certified nurse midwife" would mean an individual licensed as a registered professional nurse and who has been issued a specialty certification in the practice of nurse midwifery by the Board of Nursing under provisions of the Public Health Code.

"Physician" would be defined as an individual licensed by the state to engage in the practice of medicine or osteopathic medicine and surgery under Article 15 of the Public Health Code.

MCL 600.1307a

FISCAL IMPACT:

The bill would not have a significant fiscal impact on state or local governments.  Courts would have to receive and process notes provided by doctors or certified nurse midwives in order to exempt nursing mothers from jury service.  The cost of processing these exemptions would likely be minimal.

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   Susan Stutzky

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   Erik Jonasson

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.