Jesse Scheckner
New mothers in Florida will no longer have to choose between taking care of their infants and performing their civic duty as jurists.
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation (HB 461) excusing women from jury service if they’ve given birth within six months and request an exemption.
The new law is effective July 1.
It received broad support during the past Legislative Session, when lawmakers in both chambers voted unanimously to send it to the Governor’s desk.
Windermere Republican Rep. Carolina Amesty called it an important change representative of the priority Florida puts on supporting families.
“Strong and healthy families should be at the heart of our state’s policymaking,” she said during the measure’s second committee stop in January. “In the Sunshine State, we’re committed to helping women bond with their babies during these invaluable early moments.”
Amesty told Florida Politics on Friday, shortly after DeSantis quietly signed the bill, that she is grateful he supported the measure.
“This pro-family legislation ensures new mothers can focus on the crucial bonding and recovery time postpartum,” she said. “In Florida, we put families first.”
Vero Beach Republican Sen. Erin Grall carried an identical Senate version of the legislation, which lawmakers approved in February.
A Senate staff analysis of the legislation found that the bill may financially benefit businesses employing mothers of newborns and the mothers themselves “to the extent that such women use the bill’s excusal … to attend a job instead of jury service.”
Staff noted the change may minimally increase costs to impanel jurors due to the additional summons for jury service a county would need to send out.
Florida law already allows excusals, upon request, for expectant mothers and parents who are not employed full-time and have custody of children under 6.
Jefferson County Clerk Jason Welty and Morgan Parish of the Florida Clerks and Comptrollers Association were among supporters of the bill, which comes at a time of increasing juridical accommodations for new mothers. In March 2023, the Legislature unanimously approved a measure requiring many courthouses across Florida to provide free, clean and private lactation rooms.
7 comments
Michael K
April 26, 2024 at 6:37 pm
What a great concession for forcing women to give birth!
/s
Tom
April 27, 2024 at 7:44 am
Can’t figure out why this is a law. Seems more like common sense would prevail and a juror who had just given birth would be excused. Thanks rhonda for another nothing burger. Now go fix insurance or something worthwhile.
Earl Pitts "RON'S OFFICIAL "UNOFFICIAL VPOTUS CAMPAIGN MANAGER" American
April 26, 2024 at 7:55 pm
Good evening America,
This cutting edge Sage Legislation will stare sweeping the Free States in the USA very soon as the other Frer States will see that Ron really respects Women and Babies.
Dont look for this in your “Dook 4 Brains Leftist States” as the “Dooks” hate Women and love to have Dook Men beat them up in Sports and wank to them in the mixed Sports locker rooms, bathrooms and showers.
Everyone lets rejoice together that Florida has DeSantis and not that “Leftist Tool Gillum”.
“REJOICE”, said Earl Pitts American
Speedy Gonzalez
April 26, 2024 at 8:06 pm
My cousin SloPoke says Florida will miss Mr. DeSantis while he is away working for Mr. Trump as vice presidenta of all America.
SG
Rick Whitaker
April 26, 2024 at 8:14 pm
sounds like earl is running the state. a hollow attempt to get positive attention on desantis’ part. typical.
Earl Pitts "RON'S OFFICIAL "UNOFFICIAL VPOTUS CAMPAIGN MANAGER" American
April 26, 2024 at 9:07 pm
My man Rick,
You are the bestest “Besty Lefty” ever!!!!
Thank you,
Earl Pitts “Ricks Besty Righty” Amerivan
Rick Whitaker
April 26, 2024 at 9:38 pm
A HOLLOW ATTEMPT TO GET ATTENTION
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