What's happening
This bill exempts breastfeeding mothers from jury duty or allows them to postpone service for up to two years.
Why it matters
Supports breastfeeding mothers by recognizing the unique demands of infant care. , ensuring they are not forced to choose between their child's nutritional needs and fulfilling civic duties.
Reduces potential stress and logistical challenges. for new mothers, especially those without immediate childcare options, by allowing for an excusal or substantial postponement from jury service.
Requires documentation from a physician. , adding a layer of verification to prevent misuse while still making the process accessible for those who truly need it.
Promotes a more inclusive and family-friendly approach. in the legal system, potentially encouraging broader civic participation by removing barriers for women with young children.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Breastfeeding Moms Excused Jury Duty
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
History
- Referred to judiciary
- Print number 6111b
- Amend and recommit to judiciary
- Print number 6111a
- Amend and recommit to judiciary
- Referred to judiciary
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Exempt Breastfeeding Women from Jury
In Senate Committee · Judiciary · Sponsor Velmanette Montgomery
Full text
2 pagesUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
6111--B
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
February 23, 2017
Introduced by M. of A. CRESPO -- Multi-Sponsored by -- M. of A. BARRETT, BLAKE, BRAUNSTEIN, DAVILA, HEVESI, HOOPER, HYNDMAN, JAFFEE, JEAN-PIERRE, JOYNER, MURRAY, RAIA, SIMON, SIMOTAS, STECK, TITONE -read once and referred to the Committee on Judiciary -- committee discharged, bill amended, ordered reprinted as amended and recommitted to said committee -- again reported from said committee with amendments, ordered reprinted as amended and recommitted to said committee
AN ACT to amend the judiciary law, in relation to providing an exemption from jury duty for breastfeeding women
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Paragraphs 1 and 2 of subdivision (a) of section 517 of the judiciary law, paragraph 1 as amended and paragraph 2 as added by chapter 86 of the laws of 1995, are amended to read as follows:
(1) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph two of this subdivision, the commissioner of jurors may, in his or her discretion, on the application of a prospective juror who has been summoned to attend, excuse such prospective juror from a part or the whole of the time of jury service or may postpone the time of jury service to a later day during the same or any subsequent term of the court, provided that if the prospective juror is a breastfeeding mother and submits with her application a note from a physician indicating that the prospective juror is breastfeeding, the commissioner shall excuse the prospective juror or postpone the time of jury service. The application shall be presented to the commissioner at such time and in such manner as he or she shall require, except that an application for postponement of the initial date for jury service may be made by telephone.
(2) An application for postponement of jury service shall be granted hereunder provided: (i) such service has not already been postponed or excused, (ii) the application is made at such time and in such manner as the commissioner of jurors requires, and (iii) the postponement is to a
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD07994-04-7
A. 6111--B 2
date certain when the court is in session not more than six months after the date on which such service otherwise is to commence and such date is selected by the prospective juror, provided that if the prospective juror is a breastfeeding mother, the postponement date may be a date certain up to two years after the date on which such service otherwise is to commence.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.