Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara, Chair of the NYS Assembly Commission on Rural Resources, announced new legislation he’s introduced that would allow volunteer firefighters to file for an exemption from jury duty (A.10912). This bill is similar to a law that is already in place for active duty police officers and professional firefighters.

“Unfortunately, many of the volunteer fire departments here in upstate have been short staffed for years, and those challenges have only increased during COVID-19 making it even more difficult to recruit and retain fire fighters to serve and protect our rural communities,” said Santabarbara. “While participating in jury duty is a critical civilian responsibility, it’s important that we put the health and safety of our communities first. I’ve heard from our volunteer departments. The reality is, they are short staffed as it is and many of them simply can afford to lose more members for extended periods of time. As legislators we must do all that we can to help the institutions that are out there protecting our families and communities, especially during COVID-19. This bill will simply allow volunteer firefighters to file for an exemption from jury duty, if needed, so they can remain on call just as professional firefighters are able to do. It's a small change that will go a long way towards alleviating some of the stress these departments are facing due to shortages.”

Santabarbara’s bill would allow any active volunteer firefighters to file an exemption form from having to serve jury duty. Currently, active duty police officers and professional firefighters can file an exemption from jury duty, but this right has never been extended to volunteer firefighters.