Tarrant County officials announced on March 20 that a new jury management software system and postcard-format jury summons will be introduced starting March 24. The updated process aims to make it easier for residents to respond to their jury duty summons and manage their service through an improved online portal.
The change is intended to modernize the county’s approach after nearly two decades of using the previous system. The new software will allow prospective jurors to receive updates primarily by email, with an option for text message notifications. Real-time status updates will also be available through the online portal, typically within the same day or by the next business day.
“Each postcard will include a QR code that directs prospective jurors to log in to Juror Access, the updated online portal. This streamlined process is intended to simplify how citizens respond to their summons and manage their jury service,” said Paula Morales, Jury Bailiff. Residents who cannot respond online can still report in person at the date and time listed on their postcard summons.
While the format of the summons is changing from a four-part mailer to a postcard, all potential jurors will continue receiving official notification by mail. Tarrant County officials said they appreciate residents’ cooperation as these changes are implemented.
The announcement comes as Tarrant County continues efforts to improve local services amid shifting demographics in its schools. The number of at-risk students in Tarrant County fell by 1.2% during the 2023-24 school year, totaling 209,203 students according to data from the Texas Education Agency. During that same period, Tarrant County schools ranked third highest in Texas for total at-risk student enrollment according to state education reports. Hispanic students made up the largest ethnic group in Tarrant County schools with 162,305 students (42.9%), while White students were second with 95,052 (25.1%) according to figures from the Texas Education Agency.
County officials say they look forward to offering this enhanced experience for jurors and continuing community engagement through civic duties like jury service.
