Mass. Bills Would Create New Jury Duty Exemptions

College students, police officers and the family members of murder victims would be exempted from jury duty under a series of bills being weighed by Massachusetts lawmakers.

Another bill would exempt those who provide health care services who may be caring for a specific patient. At least one bill would expand the jury pool by hiking the maximum age of jurors from 70 to 75.

Another bill before lawmakers would bar attorneys from passing candies or gifts to jurors and prohibit jurors from coming to court dressed in Halloween costumes.

The same bill would also ban judges from joking that Hollywood might make a movie of the case or allowing jurors to pass around potential cast lists of those who may play them in a movie.

The bills are being considered Wednesday by the Judiciary Committee.