NC H234

Removes the requirement that prospective jurors must be able to "hear" English, allowing hearing-impaired persons to serve as jurors while maintaining the requirement to understand English.

Adds new provision allowing persons with disabilities to request exemption from jury duty by filing a signed statement describing how their disability interferes with their ability to serve.

Permits persons with disabilities to submit medical documentation of their disability upon court request to support exemption requests.

Allows persons with disabilities to request either temporary or permanent exemptions, with the judge or trial court administrator retaining discretion to accept, reject, or substitute a temporary exemption for a requested permanent exemption.

Effective date is July 1, 2011.