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MississippiSB 21352026 Regular SessionSenate

Juror qualifications; clarify qualified electors must be active voters to be competent jurors.

Sponsored By: Joey Fillingane (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Judiciary BJudiciary, Division A

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

Literacy form now required for jurors

Before a jury is seated, the judge and clerk must give each prospective juror a form. You must fill it out yourself with your name, address, job, age, phone, and miles from the courthouse. The judge reviews answers before seating the jury. If you cannot complete the form, the judge must disqualify and release you. The clerk keeps a list of people disqualified for this reason and does not place their names back in the jury box until they qualify.

New juror eligibility and service limits

You must be a citizen and at least 21. You must be an active voter in the Statewide Election Management System (SEMS) or a county resident freeholder for over one year. You must be able to read and write. You cannot serve if you were convicted of an infamous crime or unlawfully sold liquor in the last five years. You also cannot serve if you have a substance use disorder. The law no longer disqualifies people for being a common gambler or a habitual drunkard. If you served as a juror or tales juror in the last two years, you must wait two years. If you worked as a public road overseer or road contractor in the last 12 months, you cannot serve on a grand jury. If you have your own case pending in the same court, you cannot serve there when enough other jurors are available.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Joey Fillingane

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 134 • No: 35

House vote • 3/10/2026

Passed

Yes: 82 • No: 35

Senate vote • 2/9/2026

Passed As Amended

Yes: 52 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by Governor

    3/19/2026legislature

  2. Enrolled Bill Signed

    3/13/2026House

  3. Enrolled Bill Signed

    3/12/2026Senate

  4. Returned For Enrolling

    3/11/2026House

  5. Passed

    3/10/2026House

  6. Title Suff Do Pass

    2/23/2026House

  7. Referred To Judiciary B

    2/16/2026House

  8. Transmitted To House

    2/11/2026Senate

  9. Passed As Amended

    2/9/2026Senate

  10. Amended

    2/9/2026Senate

  11. Title Suff Do Pass

    1/29/2026Senate

  12. Referred To Judiciary, Division A

    1/13/2026Senate

Bill Text

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