Jury Duty Exemption for Breastfeeding Act of 2026

H.R. 7946, the Jury Duty Exemption for Breastfeeding Act of 2026, is a bill introduced in the House that would create an exemption from jury duty for individuals who are breastfeeding. If enacted, the bill would allow nursing mothers to request exemption from jury service without facing penalties or contempt charges for non-compliance.

Currently, jury duty is a civic obligation that most citizens must fulfill when summoned, with limited exemptions for hardship or other circumstances. This bill would add breastfeeding as an additional qualifying reason for exemption. The practical effect would be to reduce the burden on nursing mothers who might otherwise struggle to balance jury service with the demands of caring for an infant. The bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process, having been introduced on March 16, 2026, and referred to committee for consideration.