MI HB5691

Removes felony conviction as an automatic disqualification for jury service and replaces it with a requirement that prospective jurors not be currently incarcerated or on probation or parole.

Prohibits courts from disqualifying a juror solely based on the juror's criminal record.

Establishes that prospective jurors cannot be excluded from jury service based on protected status as defined under the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act.

Creates a procedure allowing parties and courts to object to peremptory challenges based on improper exclusion due to protected status, requiring the challenging party to articulate reasons that are then evaluated by the court.

Presumes certain peremptory challenges are invalid, including those based on distrust of law enforcement, prior police contact, residence in high-crime areas, non-native English speaker status, receipt of state benefits, or having children outside of marriage.

Takes effect 1 year after enactment into law.