Snyder seeks to lower jury duty exemption age to 70

New legislation to ease jury burdens on elder Pennsylvanians

Rep. Pam Snyder    May 11, 2022 | 2:03 PM

HARRISBURG, May 11 – State Rep. Pam Snyder, D-Greene/Fayette/Washington, announced plans today to introduce new legislation that would allow Pennsylvanians to opt out of the jury duty pool on their 70th birthday.

The current law allows seniors to apply for permanent jury duty exemption at age 75, and Snyder’s new bill would lower that age to 70.

Snyder argued strongly that elder individuals should not be burdened with the expensive and time-consuming process of serving on jury duty, citing the high cost of long-distance travel often incurred by jurors, especially those living in rural areas.

“Our seniors have done their civic duty for decades, and they deserve to be relieved from the stressful and exhausting process of being called for jury duty,” said Snyder. “This bill would help elder folks save money and energy and give them more time with their families and friends.”

The new legislation is currently gathering co-sponsors and will soon be referred to a House committee.

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