Assembly Bill Would Allow Non-Citizens to Serve on Juries

California could become the first state to let non-citizens serve on juries.

On Thursday, the California Assembly passed a bill authored by local assemblyman Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont).

Wieckowski’s bill, AB1401, would expand the jury selection pool while helping immigrants integrate into the community. Other criteria for prospective jurors — such as being 18 or older, living in the county you’re being summoned in and English proficiency — will remain intact.

According to the Associated Press, the bill passed by a 45-25 vote in Assembly last week. The bill was backed by most Democrats, who dominate the California Assembly, with a few Democrats declining to vote and Assemblyman Adam Gray (D-Merced) as the only Democrat voting against it.

Wieckowski said the bill will remedy courts’ struggle to find jurors as many residents find jury duty to be a burden.

Those against the bill say there isn’t a juror shortage and that the real problem is funding, the AP reports.

“Let's not break something; it's not broken now. Let's not whittle away at what is reserved for U.S. citizens. There's a reason for it,” Diane Harkey (R-Dana Point) told the AP.

But Assemblyman John Perez (D-Los Angeles) told the AP that it’s not just about the number of prospective jurors, but allowing individuals to be judged by their peers.

The bill will now move to Senate.

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