People filing for unemployment insurance now considered for jury duty

People filing for unemployment insurance now considered for jury duty

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Starting in 2012, people who file for unemployment insurance in Illinois could find themselves being called for jury duty.

Before, the state called people for jury duty if they had a driver’s license, state ID, disabled persons ID or were registered to vote. Now, according to a new law that goes into effect Jan. 1,  the state can draw people for jury duty based on if they file for unemployment in the state.

Illinois State Sen. Michael Frericks, who sponsored the bill, said listing people who receive unemployment will make jury selection easier and cause less work disruption for employers.

“There are many people out there who get called for jury duty and they can’t serve because of work conflicts, because of issues they have. There should be fewer conflicts with people who are on unemployment,” said Frericks.

Jurors are paid for serving jury duty, but the rates vary.