Jefferson City, Missouri – The Missouri state Senate is currently considering a bill that aims to reform the compensation system for jurors in the state. Under the current law, jurors are paid a meager seven cents per mile for travel between their residence and the courthouse. However, Senator Curtis Trent, a Republican from Springfield, is proposing a significant increase in the juror mileage payment to 65-and-a-half cents per mile. Trent asserts that the existing law allows for various forms of compensation, presenting an opportunity for change.
Trent highlights one option outlined by the law, which permits counties or the city of St. Louis to provide additional daily compensation and mileage allowances for jurors. If a county opts to pay at least $6 more in daily compensation, the total compensation for the jurors would be $18. The state of Missouri would then reimburse the county an additional $6 in compensation. Another alternative for compensation is the adoption of a system currently employed by Greene and Clay Counties, where jurors receive no compensation for the first two days but are given $50 plus the state employee mileage rate for the third and any subsequent days of service.
To gather insights into this proposed change, Eric Jennings, the General Counsel for the Missouri Supreme Court, consulted with court staff in Greene County. Jennings discovered that the system in place there has resulted in cost savings over the years without causing any issues for the jurors themselves. It seems that jurors are willing to forego compensation for the initial two days, knowing that those who serve for longer periods on the actual jury receive more significant compensation.
While the bill is under consideration, a Senate committee has yet to vote on it. Senate Bill 1220 contains the details of the proposed changes to the juror compensation system.
It is worth noting that this proposed bill comes as a response to ongoing discussions surrounding the compensation of jurors in Missouri. Last month, Missouri Supreme Court chief justice advocated for increased pay for jurors as well as the establishment of mental health courts. This suggests a growing recognition of the need to adequately compensate jurors for their time and service.
The proposed changes to juror compensation in Missouri have the potential to significantly impact jurors’ experiences and their ability to serve on trials. As the bill moves through the state Senate, the committee’s vote and subsequent discussions will shape the final outcome.