Substitute House Bill 268 Summary

• Modernizes Ohio's jury service law (Chapter 2313) by reorganizing sections, updating terminology (e.g., replacing "venire" with "summons," "juryman" with "juror"), and removing obsolete provisions related to outdated technology and procedures.

• Establishes new procedures for compiling annual jury source lists from voter registration and driver's license records, with duplicates eliminated, replacing the previous "jury wheel" system.

• Allows courts to use any manual, electronic, or automated method for random jury selection that provides equal probability of selection, and permits electronic notification of jurors via email, cellular phone, or pager.

• Clarifies excusal grounds for jurors, limiting physical condition excusals to the remainder of the jury year (rather than up to 24 months), and allowing one automatic postponement within six months for jurors who request it in advance.

• Updates references throughout the Revised Code to reflect reorganized section numbers and removes provisions regarding permanent excusals after 24 months, juror employment protections related to small employers, and specific compensation requirements in favor of local court discretion.