Jury Service Reform: S.B. 71 (2004); Amended ORC Ann. 2313.12; ORC Ann. 2313.16; ORC Ann. 2313.18; ORC Ann. 2313.34; ORC Ann. 2313.251; ORC Ann. 2313.99.
Provides for one automatic postponement from service with the requirement
Provides for one automatic postponement from service with the requirement that juror must reschedule service within six months of the original summons. Sets stricter criteria to be excused from service and allowed citizens 75 years of age or older to be excused upon request. Prohibits employers from taking any disciplinary action that could lead to the discharge of any permanent employee due to absence from work for jury duty. Provides that employers may not require an employee to use annual, vacation, or sick leave time for the time period of service. Protected small business (with twenty five or fewer full-time employees) by requiring the court to postpone and reschedule the service of an employee of a small business if another employee of that employer is summoned to jury service during the same period. Reduces the maximum period of availability for jury service from three weeks to two weeks. Provides for the establishment of an electronic juror notification system (cellular telephone, pager, or other forms of telecommunication) to alert the juror of the need to appear in person in court during the period of availability provided in the juror summons. Eliminates the maximum permitted daily juror compensation rate of $40. Provides the Board of County Commissioners with authority to provide a higher rate of compensation. Increases the minimum fine for failure to appear for jury service from $25 to $100. The maximum $250 was unchanged by the new law.
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