Senator Shevrin Jones (D- Miami Gardens) and Representative Dan Daley (D- Coral Springs) have introduced legislation aimed at supporting the mental health and well-being of jurors in the state of Florida. SB 866 and HB 999, titled “Post-trial Counseling Services for Jurors,” establishes a comprehensive post-trial counseling program designed to assist jurors in coping with the potential emotional challenges arising from their service. Under this proposed legislation, a post-trial counseling program will be created specifically tailored for jurors. The Chief Judge of the circuit will be responsible for administering this program, ensuring accessibility and effectiveness. The bill mandates judicial circuits provide a specified number of counseling sessions, acknowledging the potential emotional impact of participating in certain trials.
Key provisions within the bill also include the protection of juror privacy. The legislation prohibits the release of the name of any juror who requests post-trial counseling services, ensuring confidentiality and safeguarding their privacy rights. Additionally, the bill mandates judicial circuits to submit an annual report to the Department of Children and Families (DCF), outlining the implementation and effectiveness of the post-trial counseling program.
“Our jurors play an integral role in our justice system, often facing emotionally taxing experiences during their service. It’s our responsibility to ensure they have the necessary support and resources to navigate these challenges,” stated Senator Shevrin Jones.
“Trial by a jury of one’s peers is a pillar of our democracy. We ask everyday citizens to step up and serve as jurors. In some of those cases, like the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Trial, we ask them to sit through months of traumatic testimony, and gruesome video and photo evidence. After rendering what can be a challenging verdict, the jurors return to their normal way of life, often without resources to help process the trauma that they just witnessed and potentially experienced. We can do better, and that is why I have filed HB 999 – to provide post-trial counseling services for jurors in certain jury trials,” emphasized Representative Dan Daley.
