The Senate Judiciary Committee gave approval to HB2972, a measure that would make it easier for Oklahomans to access a medical exemption for jury duty.

Authored by Sen. George Burns, R-Pollard, the legislation would add physician assistants (PA) and advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) to the list of approved medical personnel authorized to provide a medical exemption for prospective jurors. Currently, only a licensed physician can provide documentation verifying that a medical condition could render a juror unfit for service.

Rep. Rick West, R-Heavener, is the primary author of the measure.

“This was a request bill from the LeFlore County court clerk who sees many people who need a medical exemption from jury duty, yet they have a hard time securing one because they are miles from a medical doctor,” West said.

The measure passed unanimously out of committee and is now eligible to be heard by the full Senate.