MT HB194

Removes the requirement for prospective jurors to respond by mail regarding their qualifications when initially notified; the clerk of court now only mails notice without mandating a response at that stage

Establishes a new summons process requiring the clerk to send summons with jury questionnaires, and if persons fail to respond, the clerk must first attempt contact by telephone or electronic communication before involving the sheriff

Defines "reasonable efforts" for sheriffs to contact non-responding jurors as any two of six options: publishing names in newspapers/websites/social media, telephone contact, electronic communication, posting physical notice, attempted personal service, or first-class mail

Expands grounds for motions to discharge a jury panel to include improper notification or summoning procedures, not just selection or drawing errors, with motions due at least 5 days before trial start

Effective immediately upon passage, with provisions applying to jury pools noticed on or after May 1, 2026