New mothers won’t need to attend jury duty under DeSantis-signed law

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a new law that will exempt new Florida mothers from being compelled to attend jury duty.

HB 461 changes state law, which currently fines or holds in contempt of court those who refuse jury duty without “sufficient excuse,” adds an exemption for a woman who has given birth within six months before the summons date, if requested.

Juries must be composed of at least six jurors, and in a case where the death penalty or life in prison is sought, 12 jurors.

The legislation was sponsored by Rep. Carolina Amesty, R-Windermere, and Sen. Erin Grall, R-Fort Pierce.

The law takes effect July 1.