Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation on Tuesday granting an exemption from jury duty to nursing women caring for infants up to one year old.
The bill, S2236/A1992, allows mothers who are breastfeeding or expressing milk for a child under the age of one to request and receive an automatic exemption from jury service. The measure, which passed unanimously through both legislative chambers, takes effect immediately.
Advocates hailed the exemption as a compassionate, common-sense policy that allows mothers to prioritize their health and their infant’s well-being during a critical period of early development.
Since its launch in 2019, Nurture NJ has advanced sweeping reforms to improve maternal and infant health outcomes in the state, including the creation of the Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Center in Trenton and the rollout of Family Connects NJ, a statewide home visitation program for new parents.
With Tuesday’s bill signing, Governor Murphy has now enacted 72 pieces of legislation aimed at addressing maternal health disparities, reducing mortality, and ensuring equitable access to care across all racial and ethnic groups.