NC S468

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

Creates new exemption process allowing persons with disabilities that interfere with jury service to request excusal, deferral, or exemption by filing a signed statement with the court at least five days before their summoning date.

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

Allows courts to grant either temporary or permanent exemptions for persons with disabilities, with discretion to substitute a temporary exemption for a permanent request.

Effective date is July 1, 2011.