All Roll Calls
Yes: 147 • No: 0
IndianaSB 139Second Regular Session 124th General Assembly (2026)Senate
Jury duty exemption for women breastfeeding.
Sponsored By: Stacey Donato (Republican)
Became Law
judiciarythe housecourts and criminal code
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Courts can share jurors across cases
Beginning July 1, 2026, a jury or juror drawn for one court may serve in another court in the same county if both courts enter orders on the record. Courts can also use the same petit jurors in civil and criminal cases.
Jury duty opt-outs for seniors and breastfeeding mothers
Beginning July 1, 2026, people age 75 or older can choose to be excused from jury duty. Women who gave birth in the last 365 days and are breastfeeding can also choose to be excused. Tell the jury administrator that you want the exemption.
No discrimination in jury selection
Beginning July 1, 2026, courts cannot exclude you from jury service because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or economic status.
No repeat petit jury within a year
Beginning July 1, 2026, you do not have to serve as a petit juror in the same county if you served there within the past 365 days in a case that ended with a verdict. That fact is enough to challenge your service.
One-time deferral of jury duty
Beginning July 1, 2026, you can move your first jury date once for hardship, extreme inconvenience, or necessity. Ask the jury administrator by phone, email, writing, or in person. Pick a new date within one year when the court is in session. The court grants it if you have not had a prior deferral and it finds the change necessary.
Clear rules on who can serve
Beginning July 1, 2026, the judge or jury administrator decides if you are qualified or can serve with reasonable accommodation. They must record under oath any facts that support a disqualification or exemption. You cannot serve if you are not a U.S. citizen, are under 18, or do not live in the county. You can be disqualified if you cannot read, speak, and understand English enough to complete the juror form. The court may require a doctor's or authorized Christian Science practitioner's certificate if you claim physical or mental incapacity. You are also disqualified if a guardian is appointed for mental incapacity or your voting rights are revoked for a felony and not restored.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Stacey Donato
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
Becky Cash
Republican • House
Blake Doriot
Republican • Senate
James Buck
Republican • Senate
Jennifer Meltzer
Republican • House
Joanna King
Republican • House
Julie Olthoff
Republican • House
Linda Rogers
Republican • Senate
Lonnie Randolph
Democratic • Senate
Michael Young
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 2/24/2026
Roll Call 340 on SB0139.03.COMH
Yes: 98 • No: 0
Senate vote • 1/13/2026
Roll Call 22 on SB0139.02.COMS
Yes: 49 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Public Law 69
3/4/2026SenateSigned by the Governor
3/4/2026SenateSigned by the Speaker
2/27/2026HouseSigned by the President Pro Tempore
2/27/2026SenateSigned by the President of the Senate
2/27/2026SenateReturned to the Senate without amendments
2/25/2026HouseThird reading: passed; Roll Call 340: yeas 98, nays 0
2/24/2026HouseSecond reading: ordered engrossed
2/23/2026HouseCommittee report: do pass, adopted
2/18/2026HouseRepresentative Cash added as cosponsor
2/17/2026HouseRepresentative Meltzer added as cosponsor
2/2/2026HouseRepresentative King added as cosponsor
1/29/2026HouseFirst reading: referred to Committee on Courts and Criminal Code
1/20/2026HouseReferred to the House
1/14/2026SenateSenator Young M added as coauthor
1/13/2026SenateSenator Rogers added as third author
1/13/2026SenateThird reading: passed; Roll Call 22: yeas 49, nays 0
1/13/2026SenateSenator Buck added as coauthor
1/13/2026SenateHouse sponsor: Representative Olthoff
1/13/2026SenateSenator Randolph added as coauthor
1/12/2026SenateSecond reading: ordered engrossed
1/12/2026SenateCommittee report: do pass, adopted
1/8/2026SenateSenator Doriot added as second author
1/6/2026SenateAuthored by Senator Donato
1/5/2026SenateFirst reading: referred to Committee on Judiciary
1/5/2026Senate
Bill Text
Enrolled Senate Bill (S)
Introduced Senate Bill (S)
Senate Bill (H)
Senate Bill (S)