President Johnson Toribiong in an interview said that he has received the proposed measure but under the law, he has 15 days to take action on it.
Toribiong said he has asked the inputs of the Chief Justice and lawyers regarding the measure.
The Olbiil Era Kelulau approved the measure in the last session day of the year, Tuesday.
Senate Bill No. 8-31, SD6, HD1 implements the constitutional amendment approved from the last general election that gives defendants in criminal cases the right to jury trials if the offenses are punishable by a sentence of 12 years or more.
The measure was expedited because the new constitutional provision is due to become effective on January 1, 2010.
The amendment however needs legislation and is not self-executing.
The judiciary earlier expressed that it is not ready to implement jury trials because one factor is the budgetary issue.
The jury will be composed of six members and a unanimous verdict shall be required for the defendant to be found guilty.
The offenses covered by the measure are big crimes such as murder, drug offenses, rape and possession of firearms.
These are offenses which can mete a fine of 12 years imprisonment or more.
Qualified jurors are person who is 21 years old or older and has not been convicted of a felony and can read and understand both Palauan and English languages.
The measure added that there are exempted jurors from the jury service; these are the jurors out of the country to attend school; domiciled in another jurisdiction; those who are members of the Armed Forces and those who hold elected office in Palau.
