By Bob Katzen

The Judiciary Committee held a hearing on legislation that would exempt breastfeeding mothers from jury duty.

Supporters said that current law only allows breastfeeding mothers to delay jury duty up to one year with a medical exemption.

“Jury duty is a civic responsibility that is a crucial component of our justice system and democracy,” said sponsor Rep. Steven Ultrino (D-Malden). “But breastfeeding parents should not have to jump through excessive administrative hoops simply to request an exemption or postponement. Currently, breastfeeding parents are not guaranteed opportunity for postponement or a hardship transfer to a more convenient location to complete their juror service. This bill will ensure that our court system becomes more family-friendly and does not pose an undue burden on new parents and their infants.”