A 5414 New York Assembly · 2025 Regular Session

Removes the lifetime ban on jury duty for convicted felons

This bill removes a lifetime ban preventing people convicted of felonies from serving on juries. It amends state law to no longer disqualify individuals based on past felony convictions, meaning former felons could be summoned for jury duty. However, it maintains that people currently incarcerated for felonies remain excused from service while in prison. The law would take effect 180 days after enactment.

Issues: ✓ Criminal Justice

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2025

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Feb 13, 2025 Last action Jan 7, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

A5414 → A5414A · 4 edits

MODERATE

This bill removes the lifetime ban on jury duty for convicted felons in New York State. Previously, felons were completely ineligible to serve as jurors regardless of their incarceration status. The bill also changes the effective date from immediate to 180 days after becoming law.

Scope change

The bill expands jury service eligibility to include individuals with felony convictions who are no longer incarcerated, whereas previously they were permanently barred from serving.

ELIGIBILITY

Removed the absolute prohibition preventing felons from ever serving on juries

Changed jury service postponement rule to only apply while the person is incarcerated, rather than permanently

TIMELINE

Changed the effective date from immediate to 180 days after the bill becomes law

REQUIREMENT

Reorganized jury qualification requirements to clarify that felony convictions no longer disqualify applicants

Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

Jan 7, 2026

Committee

REFERRED TO JUDICIARY

lower

Jun 9, 2025

Lower · Passed

PRINT NUMBER 5414A

lower

Jun 9, 2025

Lower · Passed

AMEND (T) AND RECOMMIT TO JUDICIARY

lower

Feb 13, 2025

Committee

REFERRED TO JUDICIARY

lower

1 primary · 44 co-sponsors