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HD 1200

An Act establishing a jury duty exemption for breastfeeding parents

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Steve Ultrino

Exempts breastfeeding parents from jury duty without requiring them to demonstrate hardship or obtain medical documentation.

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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HD 1200

Legislative bill overview

HD 1200 would create an exemption from jury duty for parents who are actively breastfeeding. The bill allows these individuals to be excused from jury service without having to demonstrate financial or other hardship, recognizing breastfeeding as a qualifying circumstance for exemption.

Why is this important

Breastfeeding parents currently must either serve on juries while managing feeding schedules or request exemptions through standard hardship processes, which may require medical documentation or explanation to judges. This bill directly addresses the practical conflict between jury participation and infant care by establishing breastfeeding as a legitimate reason for automatic exemption, potentially affecting jury composition and access to courts.

Potential points of contention

  • Jury pool impacts: Removing breastfeeding parents from jury duty could reduce jury pool diversity and availability, potentially affecting trial outcomes and representativeness of communities
  • Scope and duration questions: The bill may lack clarity on how long the exemption lasts (weeks? months? until weaning?) and whether it applies to exclusively breastfeeding parents only
  • Equity concerns: Critics might argue this creates preferential treatment compared to other caregiving responsibilities (formula-feeding infants, childcare for older children, elder care) that aren't similarly exempted

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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