Bill Overview
Title: Breastfeeding Mothers Jury Duty Exclusion Act of 2022
Description: This bill allows breastfeeding women to be excused from jury duty in federal or D.C. court upon request by the individual.
Sponsors: Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large]
Target Audience
Population: Breastfeeding mothers
Estimated Size: 2500000
- The bill specifically targets breastfeeding women, allowing them to be excused from jury duty.
- The global population of breastfeeding women would be the main target group of this legislation.
- Breastfeeding practices vary widely around the world, but it's a common stage for new mothers who have decided to breastfeed.
- Globally, the number of breastfeeding women can be estimated based on birth rates and breastfeeding rates.
Reasoning
- The Breastfeeding Mothers Jury Duty Exclusion Act of 2022 would directly impact a specific subset of the population: breastfeeding mothers who could potentially be called for jury duty in federal or D.C. courts.
- Given the current rate of breastfeeding initiation and the estimate of women who continue to breastfeed, approximately 2 million women per year could potentially benefit from this law in the U.S.
- While not all breastfeeding mothers are called for jury duty, the policy could significantly ease the burden on those who are, by giving them the option to be excused.
- The policy is unlikely to have a major fiscal impact as the cost associated with excusing individuals from jury duty is relatively low, and the budget allowance accommodates the potential administrative expenses involved.
- Participants range from directly impacted breastfeeding mothers to those not impacted at all, ensuring diverse viewpoints and illustrating the policy's concentrated impact on the target group.
Simulated Interviews
Stay-at-home mom (New York City, NY)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I fully support this policy as it directly impacts my ability to care for my child without worrying about jury duty.
- Not having to attend jury duty means I can maintain my breastfeeding schedule and routine.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Project manager (Dallas, TX)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy means the world to me, as being called for jury duty would disrupt my ability to work and breastfeed.
- It acknowledges the importance of breastfeeding and provides support to mothers.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Lawyer (Chicago, IL)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While this doesn't apply directly to me now, I think it's a supportive measure for mothers.
- It's a practical step for those balancing child-rearing and civic duties.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Software engineer (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 27 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think the policy is beneficial because jury duty would add stress during this crucial time of breastfeeding.
- It provides peace of mind knowing I won't be penalized for fulfilling my responsibilities as a mother.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Nurse (Miami, FL)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is great, and it's very relevant to my situation as breastfeeding and shift work are already challenging.
- It recognizes the unique situation of breastfeeding mothers.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Freelance writer (Boulder, CO)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm glad there's this option, though my flexible work means that jury duty wouldn't impact me as much as others.
- It's still very comforting to have this choice available.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Teacher (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think the policy is a good step. While it doesn't affect me, I can appreciate its importance for new mothers.
- Balancing duties is tough, and this policy assists in prioritizing.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Public servant (Seattle, WA)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy sounds reasonable and supports family dynamics, even though it doesn't affect me personally.
- Recognizing the demands on breastfeeding mothers is crucial for societal support.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Architect (Boston, MA)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy is helpful, as attending jury duty would impact my breastfeeding schedule and childcare arrangements.
- It acknowledges and respects the needs of breastfeeding women.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Barista (Portland, OR)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As a single mother, not being called for jury duty means more time for my baby and less stress trying to balance everything.
- It's a helpful policy during a demanding time of my life.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $2000000 (Low: $1000000, High: $4000000)
Year 2: $500000 (Low: $250000, High: $750000)
Year 3: $500000 (Low: $250000, High: $750000)
Year 5: $500000 (Low: $250000, High: $750000)
Year 10: $500000 (Low: $250000, High: $750000)
Year 100: $500000 (Low: $250000, High: $750000)
Key Considerations
- The low cost and minimal administrative changes required for implementation.
- The human and social benefits of supporting breastfeeding without imposing additional burdens on mothers.
- Legal and procedural adjustments in how courts handle juror requests could lead to slight process optimization.