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Bill

LC 2561

Interim study to allow for web responses to jury questionnaires

2025 Regular Session

Montana interim study examines allowing jurors to complete selection questionnaires online to reduce court costs and burden while addressing equity and data security concerns.

(LC) Draft Died in Process
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Bill Summary · LC 2561

Legislative bill overview

LC 2561 proposes an interim study to examine the feasibility and implications of allowing jurors to complete jury questionnaires online via web-based platforms rather than exclusively on paper during court proceedings. The study would evaluate whether digital questionnaires could streamline jury selection processes while maintaining legal and procedural integrity.

Why is this important

Jury selection is a time-consuming and resource-intensive court process; digital questionnaires could reduce administrative burden, lower costs, and potentially increase juror accessibility and response rates. However, the transition raises important questions about data security, equal access across socioeconomic groups, and whether electronic responses adequately preserve the jury selection process's fairness and transparency requirements.

Potential points of contention

  • Digital divide concerns: Rural or lower-income jurors may have inconsistent internet access, creating disparities in jury pools
  • Data security and privacy: Online systems require robust protections for sensitive personal information revealed in jury questionnaires
  • Legal procedure preservation: Courts must ensure digital questionnaires don't compromise attorneys' ability to conduct fair voir dire or change the fundamental nature of jury selection

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

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