TRENTON, NJ — Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation Tuesday allowing nursing mothers to be excused from jury duty, a move state leaders say will reduce barriers for new parents and align with broader maternal health initiatives.
Under the new law, S2236/A1992, individuals may request an exemption from jury service if they are the mother of a child one year old or younger and are currently nursing or expressing milk. The request will be automatically granted by the court. The law takes effect immediately.
“Balancing the demands of motherhood and civic duty can be challenging,” said Governor Murphy. “This bill ensures that our jury system remains fair for all while being compassionate and responsive to the needs of new mothers.”
The bill passed both the Senate and General Assembly unanimously. Its prime sponsors included Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz and Assemblywoman Shanique Speight, alongside Senator Brian Stack, Assemblyman Reginald Atkins, and Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson.
Aligned with Nurture NJ maternal health goals
First Lady Tammy Murphy, whose Nurture NJ initiative focuses on maternal and infant health equity, praised the bill as part of a broader effort to support families during the early stages of parenthood. Since launching in 2019, the initiative has spearheaded over 70 maternal health laws and programs, including universal nurse home visits through Family Connects NJ.
“This bill acknowledges the unique personal health and caregiving challenges that new mothers face,” said the First Lady.
Legislators supporting the bill highlighted the importance of flexibility for nursing mothers, citing the health benefits of breastfeeding and the need for policies that recognize the realities of early motherhood.
Key Points
- New law exempts nursing mothers of infants under one year old from jury duty in New Jersey
- Bill passed unanimously and takes effect immediately
- Aligns with statewide maternal health initiatives under First Lady Tammy Murphy’s Nurture NJ program
New Jersey now excuses nursing mothers from jury duty, advancing maternal health protections statewide.
