Jury duty: eligibility.

Existing law makes all persons eligible and qualified to be prospective trial jurors, except persons who, among other things, are not citizens of the United States. The California Constitution vests the judicial power of the state in the Supreme Court, courts of appeal, and superior courts, and establishes the Judicial Council to, among other things, adopt rules of court and perform functions prescribed by statute. Existing law authorizes the Judicial Council to publish and distribute manuals, guides, checklists, and other materials designed to assist the judiciary. This bill would, beginning January 1, 2026, and until January 1, 2031, make a person eligible and qualified to be a prospective juror if they are a lawful permanent resident. The bill would require the Judicial Council to develop a program by January 1, 2026, to allow lawful permanent residents to participate in jury duty and would require the program to include specific requirements, including a notice stating that lawful permanent residents are eligible, but not required, to participate in jury duty, and procedures for courts to limit the sharing and disclosure of program and participant information. The bill would also make conforming changes.