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SB 831, PN 968:
This bill would exempt judges from serving on juries in the state court
system.
Sens. Dinniman and
Rafferty voiced their opposition to this legislation because it would
create a special class of citizens exempt from one of the duties
inherent in democracy. Sen. Mary Jo White noted that during her time as
a public defender she had been selected for jury duty and that this
exemption for judges might soon be expanded to include district
attorneys and public defenders. Sen. Boscola drew a parallel between
this bill and a recent state Supreme Court decision that exempted judges
from legislation repealing the pay raise.
Sen. Greenleaf noted
that this legislation would mirror federal legislation that currently
exempts all public officials (including judges) from federal jury duty,
and explained that, if a judge were called to jury duty, the lost time
would be an expense to state taxpayers.
A vote of 21-25 was
recorded, and the bill was defeated. Sen. Costa asked that the vote on
this bill be reconsidered, and with a majority of the Senate in
agreement, the bill went over in its order.
SR 130, PN 1090:
This resolution adopts temporary Senate rules for dealing with this
year’s budget bills. A vote of 46-0 was recorded.
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