Jury Duty Exemption for Breastfeeding Act of 2026

Summary

Creates a jury-service exemption for people who are breastfeeding by allowing federal and D.C. courts (or court clerks under court supervision where permitted) to excuse a summoned individual who is breastfeeding if they request to be excused. The change adds a new subsection to federal jury selection law and a corresponding clause in the D.C. Code. The measure does not provide funding, set documentation requirements, or specify an effective date; it authorizes courts to grant excusal on request and requires courts and jury administrators to update procedures if they implement the change.

• Authorizes federal and D.C. courts (and clerks under court supervision where allowed) to excuse summoned individuals who are breastfeeding upon request.
• Amends 28 U.S.C. §1866 and D.C. Official Code §11–1908(b) to add the breastfeeding excusal authority.
• Does not specify documentation requirements, length of excusal, or a standardized process for requests.
• Does not provide new funding or create penalties; administrative changes are limited to court procedures and jury plans.
• Affects jury administration procedures nationwide (federal) and within the District of Columbia.
• Likely reduces hardship for breastfeeding caregivers called for jury duty and may modestly change the composition of available jurors.
• Implementation details (mandatory vs. discretionary excusal, proof, duration) are left to courts and local jury plans.
• Minimal administrative burden expected—primarily updates to summons language and clerk training.