Starting in 2028, residents of California aged 80 and above will have the option to permanently exempt themselves from jury duty without needing documentation from a healthcare professional.
The wording of Assembly Bill 1359 highlighted “pre-existing health issues, heightened vulnerability to new pathogens, and mobility difficulties that individuals 80 years and older face more frequently than younger individuals” as the basis for this legislative change.
While Californians aged 70 and above already had the ability to excuse themselves from jury duty for medical reasons without any documentation at the time of selection, AB 1359 will extend this option to those in their 80s on a permanent basis.
Assemblymember Patrick Ahrens (D-Sunnyvale), the bill’s sponsor, stated that “seniors make excellent jurors” and could still participate if they wished. However, for those who prefer not to, “they will no longer need to navigate complicated processes to opt out permanently.”
A variety of states have implemented similar age-related exemptions for jury service, typically within the 70-to-80 age bracket.
The bill, which was put forward in February 2025, received unanimous approval in both the state Assembly and state Senate in August.
On September 15, Gov. Gavin Newsom officially enacted the bill, which will come into effect on January 1, 2028.
“This measure acknowledges the challenges many older adults encounter, such as mobility limitations, chronic health issues, caregiving duties, and restricted access to medical care,” stated the California Senior Legislature in their endorsement of the bill.
