FRANKFORT, Ky -- A significant change to the jury system in Kentucky wins Senate committee approval. In a bill that originally sought to raise juror pay, a measure now would allow people to volunteer for jury duty in Kentucky courtrooms.
The bill would allow people to enter into voluntary jury service along with others whose names are drawn at random. Bill sponsor, Sen. Dan Seum (R, Louisville), says part of the reason for the measure is the difficulty Jefferson County Courts have in meeting jury pool needs.
Under terms of the bill a person could only serve on a jury in a volunteer basis once a year. However, Sen. Robin Webb (D, Grayson) says the randomness of the current jury pool system is better able to provide people with a jury of their peers.
The bill now heads to the Full Senate.