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Bill

SB 345

Removing breastfeeding mothers from the mandatory jury service exclusion list and including them in the discretionary jury service exclusion list.

2025-2026 Regular Session

Kansas bill shifts breastfeeding mothers from automatic jury duty exemption to case-by-case discretionary exclusion, requiring individual judge approval instead of blanket relief.

Died in Committee
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Bill Summary · SB 345

Legislative bill overview

SB 345 would remove breastfeeding mothers from Kansas's automatic jury duty exemption and instead allow them to request exemption on a case-by-case basis. Currently, breastfeeding mothers are completely excused from jury service; this bill shifts them to the discretionary exclusion category where judges decide whether to grant exemptions individually.

Why is this important

This change affects jury composition and eligibility for service. It could expand the jury pool by removing a blanket exemption, but it also requires breastfeeding mothers to justify their exclusion to judges rather than receiving automatic relief, potentially creating practical and equity considerations for nursing parents seeking jury service.

Potential points of contention

  • Gender equity concerns: The bill may disproportionately affect mothers while fathers with childcare responsibilities lack comparable automatic protections, raising fairness questions
  • Practical hardship: Breastfeeding mothers may face genuine logistical constraints during jury service that discretionary exemptions might not adequately address, depending on trial length and judge discretion
  • Jury pool diversity: Removing the automatic exemption expands the eligible pool but could reduce diversity if discretionary denials vary by judge, affecting representation across cases

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

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