Bill would lengthen exemption period for grand jurors
Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan wants to provide some relief for the Massachusetts citizens appointed for a role integral to the process of bringing felony charges.
A bill filed by Rep. David Rogers, a Cambridge Democrat, would double the amount of time that grand jurors would be exempt from once again having to serve on a jury.
"It's a very traumatic, very concerning, very complicated job that they do for us. It really is a public service," Ryan told the Judiciary Committee on Wednesday. Ryan, whose jurisdiction extends from Pepperell to Cambridge, said grand jurors in Middlesex sit for four days per week for three months.
The bill would extend from three years to six years the period of exemption for people who have served on a state or federal grand jury. The bill would also require juror manuals to include information on the responsibilities of jurors' employers while they are serving in the court.
"It's important to have diversity in that grand jury tool," Ryan said.
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