OKLAHOMA CITY — The Senate Judiciary Committee gave approval to House Bill 2972 on Tuesday, a measure that would make it easier for Oklahomans to access a medical exemption for jury duty.

Authored by Sen. George Burns, R-Pollard, the legislation would add physician assistants and advanced practice registered nurses to the list of approved medical personnel authorized to provide a medical exemption for prospective jurors. Currently, only a licensed physician can provide documentation verifying that a medical condition could render a juror unfit for service.