AUGUSTA — Mainers who are 70 and older would be allowed to opt out of jury duty if a bill before the Legislature passes.

The sponsor, Rep. Windol Weaver, told the Judiciary Committee on Tuesday that health issues make it difficult for a lot of people in their advanced years to serve. The York Republican says there’s no need to add stress to their lives by requiring them to serve on juries.

Weaver, whose bill faced no opposition at Tuesday’s hearing, says 28 other states allow jury duty exemptions based on age.

A representative of the Maine court system spoke neither for nor against the bill. Mary Ann Lynch said it would reduce the pool of jurors, who are chosen from the state driver’s license list, she didn’t know by how much.

 


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