National Association of the Deaf

North Carolina legislators again debated a bill that would permit deaf people to serve as jurors and require the provision of qualified interpreters. The bill was sent back to the Ways and Means Committee.  People who live in North Carolina need to TAKE ACTION NOW.

See the original story here.

See what happened on Tuesday, July 28, 2009, here.

The bill (SB 293) was presented, again, and was immediately challenged. The request to refer the bill back to the Ways and Means Committee, made by Representative Faison on July 16, 2009, was renewed and debated.

Interestingly, on July 15, 2009, the Ways and Means Committee completed its review of the bill and reported favorably to the full House. Representative Faison is the Chair of the Ways and Means Committee. Maybe Representative Faison missed his committee’s meeting on July 15, 2009.

Representative Glazier was, once again, very supportive of the bill. But the tone of the debate changed. It seems that North Carolina representatives got the message that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) applies to deaf jurors, too. Now many of them seemed intent on “complying with the ADA,” but some needed more time to figure out how to keep deaf people off the jury anyway.

Representative Faison gave Representative Glazier a proposed amendment to the bill. Glazier’s initial response was that the amendment looks like it would defeat the purpose of the bill.

After further debate, Representative Faison’s request to send the bill back to the Ways and Means Committee was voted on and passed.

If you live in North Carolina and you believe deaf people have the right to serve on a jury, tell Representative Faison.

If you live in North Carolina and you believe deaf people have the right to serve on a jury, tell the members of the Ways and Means Committee.

If you live in North Carolina and believe deaf people have the right to serve on a jury, tell your North Carolina representative.

Send your message NOW!