S 2240 New York Senate · 2025 Regular Session

Removes the lifetime ban on jury duty for convicted felons

Bill S 2240 removes the lifetime ban that prevents individuals with felony convictions from serving on a jury. It amends existing judiciary law to eliminate the automatic disqualification for past felony convictions. However, the bill clarifies that anyone currently serving a term of incarceration for a felony would still be excused from jury service while incarcerated. This change allows eligible citizens who have completed their sentences to participate in jury duty.

Issues: ✓ Criminal Justice

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2025

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Jan 16, 2025 Last action Jan 7, 2026

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What changed between versions

S2240 → S2240A · 4 edits

MODERATE

This bill amends the New York Judiciary Law to remove the lifetime ban on jury duty for convicted felons, allowing them to serve once their civil rights are restored. It also changes the effective date of the law from 'immediately' to a future date (180 days after enactment) and clarifies that jury service is only postponed while a person is incarcerated, rather than permanently barred.

Scope change

The bill expands the scope of eligible jurors to include individuals with felony convictions who are no longer incarcerated, whereas previously they were permanently excluded.

ELIGIBILITY

Removed the requirement that a juror must not have been convicted of a felony, effectively ending the lifetime ban on jury service for felons.

REQUIREMENT

Changed the rule for felons from a permanent ban to a temporary postponement of jury service only while the person is serving a term of incarceration.

TIMELINE

Delayed the effective date of the act from 'immediately' to the one hundred eightieth day after it becomes law.

TECHNICAL

Added a new sponsor (C. RYAN) to the list of bill introducers and updated the bill number to 2240-A to reflect its amended status.

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Full legislative history

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Key actions

Committee

Amendments

Jan 7, 2026

Committee

REFERRED TO JUDICIARY

upper

May 19, 2025

Upper · Passed

PRINT NUMBER 2240A

upper

May 19, 2025

Upper · Passed

AMEND (T) AND RECOMMIT TO JUDICIARY

upper

Jan 16, 2025

Committee

REFERRED TO JUDICIARY

upper

1 primary · 29 co-sponsors