Legislation passing through the state capitol would allow people
70 years old or older to opt out of serving jury duty.

The measure has been sent to the Senate for approval.

Among the local lawmakers voting in favor of the measure were
state Reps. Martin Causer, R-Turtlepoint, Kathy Rapp, R-Warren, and
Dan Surra, D-Kersey.

According to a copy of the legislation – House Bill 688 – it
amends the state’s consolidated statutes by exempting anyone 70
years old or older from having to serve on jury duty.

The act would take effect 60 days after final approval.

If approved, McKean County Jury Commissioner Betty Comes said it
would likely have a “big effect” on the county’s jury pool.

“We are a county of very elderly people,” Comes said, adding she
already receives calls from prospective jurors that indicate they
are older and would like to not serve.

As it stands, Comes said the judge requires the jury
commissioners receive a medical excuse from anybody that says they
are not able to serve.

“It does stop some people from trying to get out of serving,”
Comes said.

“I’m amazed at how many love to serve, and are still very
active,” Comes said, referring to the elderly population. “Some of
them are still very alert and I don’t think we ought to take that
privilege away from them if they still want to serve.”

Comes said if the legislation is passed, it would likely force
county officials to send out a questionnaire to refresh the pool of
potential jurors.

“It would be expensive for us to send it out to people around
the county asking them if they would be exempt,” Comes said, adding
officials already receive the names of residents from the per
capita and register to vote lists.

Between 200 and 250 jurors are drawn from the pool each
month.

There was no immediate word on when the bill would be officially
passed.